Water restrictions to take effect Monday as Kamloops moves to Drought Level 4

“The City is asking all residents and businesses to do their part by reducing water use and postpone all non-essential outdoor water use.”

The Nicola, the Similkameen and the Okanagan basins are also at Drought Level 4, while the Lower Thompson basin and the Clearwater basins are at a Drought Level 3. The North Thompson basin is at Drought Level 2.

Under Drought Level 4:

Lawn watering using a sprinkler or by hand is reduced to one day per week.
Watering of trees, shrubs, plants (including food-producing plants and crops), and flowers using sprinkler is reduced to one day a week, but drip irrigation remains permitted three days a week.
Washing driveways, sidewalks, patios, buildings, and other hard surfaces is permitted by pressure washer only.

“Every drop counts during heightened periods of drought,” said Jen Fretz, the City’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Civic Operations Director. “The actions residents and businesses take now will help reduce demand on our water system and support our community as dry conditions continue.”

Watering days are are determined by the last two digits of your legal street address. Addresses that end in 00 to 30 can water on Tuesdays, those ending in 31 to 60 can water on Wednesdays, and those ending in 61 to 99 can water on Thursdays.

City staff say the preferred time for automated watering is between midnight and 7:00 a.m., with irrigation prohibited between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“Residents are reminded that a brown lawn is a normal response to hot, dry weather and does not increase wildfire risk. Dormant grass will recover when cooler, wetter conditions return,” added the city statement.

“Residents are encouraged to focus watering efforts on trees and shrubs using permitted methods such as drip irrigation. Healthy trees and well-maintained shrubbery contribute to the urban canopy and can play an important role in creating more resilient landscapes.”

These Drought Level 4 restrictions will remain in effect until conditions improve and the city determines it is appropriate to move to a lower response level.

“At this time, all divisions within the City are also taking steps to reduce water use wherever possible while still providing the services our community relies upon,” the statement added. “Irrigation at parks and other municipal landscapes will be reduced in accordance with the Drought Response Plan.”

“Some treed areas, sports fields, and recreational spaces will continue to receive targeted watering to maintain safe playing surfaces and support community recreation. These spaces host leagues, tournaments, community events, and provide important places for residents to gather, stay active, and connect with one another.”

Water parks are not affected by these restrictions, as they are managed through the city’s Extreme Heat Response Plan. These spaces will remain open to help residents stay cool during periods of extreme heat.

“Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the current restrictions and look for simple ways to reduce water use at home,” added the city statement.

“[That includes] fixing leaking faucets and irrigation systems, sweeping driveways and sidewalks instead of washing them with water, and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.”

More information about the city’s water restrictions and water conservation tips can be found h ere.

– With files from Elora McCormack/CFJC Today

by Victor Kaisar

Water restrictions to take effect Monday as Kamloops moves to Drought Level 4

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