The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is implementing a trial schedule for water restrictions for the Mabel Lake Water Utility (MLW). These restrictions will allow residents to water with sprinklers according to a schedule. When too many people use water from the same system at once, it can exceed the capacity of the distribution pumps, which can result in a water shortage in our tanks and water quality issues. The trial schedule is intended to address this risk.
The two-day-per-week sprinkler use schedule below will spread out water demand by allocating watering times to three (3) zones of the community, as shown on the attached map. Most lawns and gardens only need water 1-2 times a week, and the schedule allows for the option to use sprinklers up to two (2) days each week.
Watering Schedule
Sunday - Zone A
Monday - Zone B
Tuesday - Zone C
Wednesday - No Sprinklers
Thursday - Zone A
Friday - Zone B
Saturday - Zone C
Sprinkler Use Not Permitted between 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
See map here: Mabel Lake Water Utility - Zones A, B and C
On any day, and even when under water restrictions, residents may water by hand with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed any day, between 7 pm - 10 am, as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots. In the future, this trial restriction schedule may be used to manage summer water use to protect the community water supply. For these restrictions to work, the community must commit to following the schedule and being wise with their water use.
The RDNO will conduct a community survey by going door-to-door in the coming weeks to gather input on developing a long-term plan for restrictions that meets the needs of the utility and customers. We look forward to speaking with you and hearing your feedback on this trial program.
Subscribe to our Email Alert System
Subscribe to receive announcements, media releases, and updates by email at: www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
For further information, please call 250-550-3700 or visit www.rdno.ca.