Stage 1 water restrictions and level 3 drought continue in Vernon

VERNON – Stage 1 water restrictions continue in Vernon as well as a Level 3 Drought for the region.

Greater Vernon Water will remain at stage 1 until the end of the irrigation season, according to a Regional District of North Okanagan release issued yesterday, Sept. 8.

Remaining at stage 1 water restrictions will also maintain the stream flows for fish in the Duteau Creek watershed. Readings taken Sept. 1 show the reservoirs slightly above stage 1 levels. Being above stage 1 is a favourable position going into the end of the irrigation season and it was possible because of the efforts of the Regional District of North Okanagan and residents to conserve water, according to the release.

The following five factors were used to determine the level of restrictions:

• upland reservoir storage levels,
• upland snow pack/soil moisture,
• the Provincial River Forecast Center report predictions,
• temperature and precipitation forecasts, and
• customer water demands.

Current conservation efforts must be maintained because the forecast predicts minimal rain and warm temperatures are expected to continue. Also, there was a late start to the growing season so some crops may still need water.

Because water conservation efforts are still needed, watering restrictions will remain in place. Stage 1 the goal is to reduce water demand by 10 per cent to avoid moving into stage 2 restrictions, according to the release.

The following tips are waterwise ways to care for your yard:

• Water in the evening or early morning to reduce water loss to evaporation.
• Water lawns once a week to encourage deep, healthy roots. Put a tuna can or pie plate under the sprinkler and time how long it takes to fill – that’s how long you need to run the sprinkler to give your lawn a healthy watering.
• Check underground sprinklers monthly to ensure you are watering plants, not pavement.

Climate trends and customer water demands will be monitored by Greater Vernon Water to assess the water supply status. Updates will be reported to local media and on the Regional District of North Okanagan website. 

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