The City of Merritt is moving to further restrict the use of water starting on Monday, as drought like conditions persist in the Nicola Valley, in spite of recent rain the area.
A release from the city says the Nicola Basin and the Coldwater Basin are currently at Drought Level 3 (Very Dry), and conditions are expected to worsen, especially for the Coldwater River.
Residents will be allowed to water the lawns just once a week, beginning on August 24. Residents with even numbered addresses can do so on Friday and residents with odd numbered addresses can do so on Tuesday, with restrictions expected to be in place for some time.
“We recognize that scaling back watering can be frustrating and inconvenient, but we want residents to know that their effort makes a difference,
CAO Sean Smith said. “This isn’t a question of not having sufficient water; our aquifer levels are high and there is plenty of water to support the current rate of use.”
“However, the Coldwater River is connected to the aquifer from which we draw most of our water, so as we collectively reduce our water consumption and slow the rate of draw, we support a higher water level in the Coldwater River.”
There are no changes being made as to when people can use water, with people able to do so between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., as well as between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on the above mentioned days.
“We encourage residents with automatic irrigation systems to water lawns between 12:00 midnight and 4:00 a.m.,” Smith added.
Among other things, the city will shut down all irrigation in parks, except the Rotary Spray Park, while postponing the street sweeping program until October 1. City vehicles will also not be washed, with the exception of garbage trucks.
“We had an incredibly wet June, so we thought we may avoid drought this year, but there has been very little precipitation in July and August, which puts pressure on the Coldwater river in particular,” noted Mayor Linda Brown.
“We thank you for following these additional water restrictions and for doing your part to mitigate the effects of drought in our region.”
