The City of Campbell River is implementing Stage 1 watering restrictions effective Wednesday, May 1 and is asking residents to follow the restrictions, and be aware of their water use.
Water restrictions come into effect to ensure there is enough water available for firefighting and other city services during the summer months, when there is often a jump in demand.
Lawn watering is permitted as follows:
• Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.
Watering of non-residential properties where watering common areas is controlled by a central system or strata, rather than by individual units or residents, is permitted as follows:
· Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
· Odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
There are no restrictions on watering gardens, trees, shrubs, and community gardens by hand or with spring-loaded type nozzles with automatic shut-off connected to the hose.
Guidelines for water conservation and lawn care:
• Mow lawns to a length of three inches or more to reduce moisture loss and sunburn.
• Set sprinklers to water for 20 minutes or less per lawn-watering session.
• Water no more than two times per week to encourage deep root systems.
• Provide good aeration and drainage to create a healthy lawn.
The Strathcona Regional District’s area D will also be implementing Stage 1 watering restrictions on May 1. The restrictions are for the Ocean Grove Road to Vaughn Road water system users.
For Area D, under stage 1, lawn and garden watering with a sprinkler, soaker, or weeper hose is permitted between the hours of 5 am – 8 am and 7 pm – 10 pm. Watering days for even-number addresses are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and odd-number addresses are Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Lawn and garden watering is permitted anytime when a hand-held hose with automatic shut-off nozzle is used or with micro or drip irrigation. Micro and drip irrigation systems must be correctly installed to avoid over-watering. Over-watering is defined in Bylaw 324 as watering in a manner that saturates the lawn, boulevard, or landscaped area and results in water spreading onto areas beyond them.
For new lawn or sod installation, a special watering permit is required. Please email engineering@srd.ca for more details.
Stage 2 restrictions are scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2024.
For more information, visit campbellriver.ca/water, www.srd.ca/water, email water.wise@campbellriver.ca or call the water hotline at 250-203-2316.