File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).
Water Restrictions

Level 3 watering restrictions in effect for Merritt

Feb 16, 2024 | 7:33 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — Water restrictions are once again in effect for Merritt.

The City of Merritt is working on a plan to avoid falling into highly restrictive Level 4 and 5 restrictions. That means getting ahead of the game early.

Watering days for even numbered addresses will be Thursday and Sunday, odd numbered addresses will be assigned to Tuesday and Saturday.

Manual sprinklers can be used from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hand watering and washing is permitted anytime. Automated irrigation from 12:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. is permitted.

Washing and hand watering (excluding lawns,) washing vehicles, or power washing with a user-controlled flow nozzle with shut-off valve is permitted at anytime during Level 3 Watering Restrictions.

The city recommends that residents wash vehicles over grass or gravel when possible so that run off water drains into the earth instead of down the drains.

At this time, residents may only top up swimming pools, spas, or ponds.

The city says restrictions protect Merritt’s drinking water and fish habitats, particularly on the Coldwater River which is a “losing reach” or “sinking river” where incoming water drains into the city’s aquifers.

With the low snowpack this year, groundwater levels are expected to suffer this summer.