With summer temperatures on the rise, residents of Fruitvale and the Beaver Valley Water Service area are being reminded to follow Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions to help conserve water.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has implemented the second stage of its water conservation plan, which includes reduced watering hours and stricter guidelines on sprinkler use.
The initiative is supported by RDKB’s WaterSmart Ambassador Brook Broadhurst, who is working with residents to improve water efficiency and raise awareness about seasonal outdoor use.
Broadhurst says the Beaver Valley Water Service is currently in Stage 2 of outdoor water conservation, meaning sprinkler restrictions are in place to reduce the amount of water being used.
She explains that outdoor water use accounts for more than 30 percent of the total water consumed in the Beaver Valley Water Service.
To help reduce this, Broadhurst encourages residents to book free sprinkler assessments and access online resources to learn proper lawn care and get WaterSmart.
“Residents can make a big difference on the ground by booking free sprinkler assessments with me and utilizing our online resources,” she says.
Those who schedule a sprinkler assessment before July 31 are automatically entered into a draw to win a hose timer, Broadhurst adds.
Under the Stage 2 restrictions, outdoor watering is only permitted from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Even-numbered addresses are allowed to water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
No sprinkler use is permitted on Mondays.
These rules apply to lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower gardens.
While fruit and vegetable gardens are exempt from the restrictions, residents are encouraged to practise water conservation.
The RDKB aims to reduce overall outdoor water use by 20 percent during the summer months.
Free sprinkler system assessments are available to help identify inefficiencies and ensure irrigation systems are operating effectively.
Broadhurst encourages residents to take advantage of these assessments as a practical step toward meeting the region’s water reduction goals.
