Extreme heat forces Summerland into Stage 2 water restrictions

With the mercury climbing into the 40 degree plus range daily for the next few days, and no let up of heat anytime soon, the District of Summerland is warning that water consumption must drop by 30 per cent.

If the 30 per cent target isn’t met, the district says in a media release the water treatment plant will have to be shutdown, followed by a lengthy boil water notice.

Stage 2 water restrictions come into effect tomorrow, June 29, which means you can use a sprinkler to water trees, shrubs and lawns before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday.

You can only use micro-irrigation, drip irrigation or a hose with a shut-off nozzle to water trees, shrubs or vegetables on any day and at any time.

Even if you have underground irrigation, the water restrictions still apply, the district says. You can only turn on the irrigation between midnight and 6 a.m. on Sunday and Thursday.

The district points out the water restrictions are not due to a lack of water storage in the watershed.

If you have any questions, go the District of Summerland’s website here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander or call 250-309-5343 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.