File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).
Spences Bridge Water System

Repairs made on Spences Bridge water system; outdoor watering can resume

Jul 24, 2024 | 11:35 AM

SPENCES BRIDGE, B.C. — Residents on the Spences Bridge Community Water System will be able to proceed with outdoor watering.

Effective Thursday (July 25), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says irrigation for the nearly 135 customers using the water system is permitted two days a week. Odd-numbered addresses can water Monday and Thursday, once per day, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., while even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesday and Friday with the same constraints.

Hand-watering with a spring-loaded nozzle is still permitted at any time.

In a news release, the TNRD says it and Cook’s Ferry Indian Band completed repairs on the water system and mandatory water conservation measured have been reduced.

However, the TNRD says enhanced watering restrictions are needed due to the well charge rate and pumping capacity likely being unable to meet expected maximum daily demands.

“We thank residents for their cooperation and we appreciate conservation efforts made by the community to date,” Tyrone McCabe, TNRD utility services manager says. “After the Water Conservation Notice was issued on July 16, we saw an instant improvement in our reservoir levels. This cooperation by residents made sure that water remained available for essential uses until our repair work was finished.”

The TNRD notes that watering restrictions are unrelated to the nearby Shetland Creek wildfire. Firefighters would draw water from the Thompson River for structure protection equipment and would not use the Spences Bridge Community Water System.