SEKID - Conservation

Domestic watering regulations and tips

Studies show that up to 80% of water use in the summer is outside the home, mainly for sprinkling lawns and gardens. Following the watering regulations and using a little common sense can go a long way in conserving water outside the home.

April 21, 2011

Domestic Sprinkling Regulations:

Change for 2011!

SEKID is announcing a fundamental change to our domestic sprinkling regulations for the 2011 season. The standard or “normal” sprinkling regulations will change to an odd/even system based on the date and property address:

Sprinkling will permitted on an odd/even basis depending on your address:

Odd numbered addresses will water on odd numbered dates and even numbered addresses will water on even dates.

There is no change to the times residents are allowed to water.

For those residents with in-ground automatic sprinkling systems the hours are 12:00 midnight to 6:00 A.M. (Please ensure the clock or timing device for your irrigation system is set to come on between the hours of 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM on those days you are permitted to water).
For those watering by hose, sprinkling times are from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. and from 6:00 P.M. to midnight.
Hand watering by hose and washing cars is permitted any day

We regret the inconvenience this change in regulation will cause some residents. Instructions on how to re-program irrigation timers to the odd/even cycle can be found in your owner’s manual. Most manuals can be viewed over the internet and the odd/even programing instructions are usually listed under “advanced” or “custom” cycles.

Staff will be monitoring compliance over the course of the summer and any property found watering outside of the allowed times will be given a door tag providing the correct schedule.

No fines will be levied for violations the first year this program is in effect to give residents time to adjust to the new schedule.

The reason we are changing to the odd/even system is to be consistent with other water suppliers in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Using common sprinkling times provides efficiencies in administering water use programs and presents opportunities for sharing information and educational materials over a broader audience.

“Please think about the water you use and use it wisely”

Note: watering regulations are subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

Tips for outdoors:

In-ground irrigation systems, properly installed, well maintained and wisely managed can conserve water. Remember to schedule properly, check regularly for leaks and breaks, clean filters routinely and adjust sprinkler head pressure to avoid overlap and the unnecessary watering of roadways and sidewalks.
A light sprinkling is the least effective way to water. Less frequent but thorough watering (every 3 - 5 days during hot weather) promotes solid root growth, making your lawn more drought resistant and less vulnerable to winter kill. But remember, the soil can only store so much water and water that percolates into the soil past the root zone is wasted.
Keep your lawn at least 2½ inches or longer - shorter grass is prone to dehydration and needs watering more frequently. Use a mulching mower rather than bagging grass clippings. The mulched clippings help keep the moisture in your soil and return valuable nutrients to your lawn.
Additional mulching on a regular basis with top dressings such as sand or organic mulch will also improve moisture retention and reduce water requirements.
A garden hose left running can waste hundreds of gallons of water every hour. Use a spring loaded nozzle on your hose that will automatically shut off when you put the hose down. Do not clean your driveway with water; use a broom or leaf blower. Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water, rinsing only when necessary.