File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Drought Conditions

Merritt restricts watering as drought conditions persist

Aug 21, 2020 | 2:13 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Drought conditions in the Nicola Valley mean Merritt residents will need to restrict their watering.

According to a news release issued by the City of Merritt, drought conditions in the region are becoming worse. Both the Nicola and Coldwater basins are at a Drought Level 3, according to the province.

Starting Monday (Aug. 24), Merritt residents will be limited to watering one day per week. Residents with odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Tuesdays, while even-numbered addresses can water on Fridays.

Chief Administrative Officer Sean Smith says decreasing water use will support a higher level on the Coldwater River, which draws from the same aquifer as the City of Merritt.

Smith says the City will enact more restrictions in an effort to limit water use, including:

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• Shutting down all City Park irrigation, excluding the Rotary Spray Park
• Postponing the City Street Sweeping Program until October 1, 2020
• Not washing City pickups and equipment except for Residential & Commercial Garbage Trucks
• Increasing the use of the Kengard well to avoid overdrawing from the Coldwater river
• Minimizing the use of the Voght Park well pumps and utilizing the Fairley Park and Collettville pumps as primaries
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