Squamish moves to Stage 2 water restrictions effective July 7

As the hot, summer weather is now in full swing, the District of Squamish has announced the move to Stage 2 water restrictions effective Monday, July 7, 2014 at 6 a.m. This move to Stage 2 comes three weeks later than in 2013 despite less rainfall this year, demonstrating a willingness and cooperation amongst Squamish residents to embrace the water usage schedule.

“We have seen a very clear mindfulness among citizens regarding outdoor water use resulting in an increased adherence to the water usage schedule,” says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “This is very encouraging news as we work towards managing our water consumption across the summer months, ultimately delaying the need to invest in costly infrastructure upgrades.”

Outdoor water use restrictions are in place to effectively manage the supply and demand of water across the community during summer months when consumption skyrockets.

“Squamish nearly doubles its water consumption during the summer months as a result of lawn watering, car washing and irrigation, which taxes the water system heavily and puts it very near capacity,” says Bob Smith, the District’s Director of Operations. “We must remain within a comfortable limit to minimize the need for surface water to enter the system, or be prepared to invest heavily in water capacity upgrades.”

Adherence to Stage 2 restrictions provides the ability to water lawns with a sprinkler once per week, and continues to allow general watering and car washing with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.

Stage 2 divides the community into seven areas, and provides each area with ONE day upon which they can water with a sprinkler:

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

 

Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill
Downtown
Dentville, Business Park, North Yards
Loggers Lane, Quest University
Garibaldi Highlands
Garibaldi Estates
Brackendale

Even numbered addresses: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. *Note new times for 2014

Odd numbered addresses: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Thank you to the residents and businesses who are doing their part to reduce outdoor water use consumption, thus conserving our valuable drinking water and limiting the irrigation of lawns,” continues Smith. “The District of Squamish recognizes and appreciates the community-wide efforts to conserve water.”

The District’s website is filled with information on how to work within the Bylaw to maintain the healthy growth of vegetables, flowers and shrubs etc., as well as tips and ideas for reducing the need for watering in the first place. For example, an upside down frisbee placed on the lawn while using the sprinkler helps to measure the amount of water a lawn needs, which is only one inch or 2.5 centimetres per week. Once the frisbee is full, the water can be turned off.

Visit www.squamish.ca/water for Bylaw information and tips.

July 3, 2014

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