By Times Chronicle Staff
Osoyoos has announced normal water restrictions limiting non-agricultural water usage to three days a week effective immediately.
Under this stage of restrictions watering is allowed three times per week with sprinkling only permitted at residential, commercial and other non-agricultural properties. Watering days are determined by property address.
Even numbered addresses: Watering is only permitted on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Odd numbered addresses: Watering is only permitted on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Automatically controlled underground sprinkling systems – both residential and commercial – are allowed to water only between the hours of 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM on the days permitted by the sprinkling regulations.
Manually controlled sprinklers in residential and commercial properties including those attached to outside taps may only operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 7:00 PM to 12:00 midnight on the days permitted according to the residential address.
Sprinkling is not permitted between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM on any day, at any time of the year.
Only one ½” (9mm) diameter outlet (outside tap) may be used at a time for sprinkling, and according to the regulations it is not permissible to use an open pipe or hose for irrigation purposes.
No use of water hoses is permitted for the purpose of washing boats or motor vehicles.
The washing of sidewalks, driveways or parking lots is also prohibited, except and only if necessary for applying a product such as paint or preservative, or when preparing a surface prior to paving or repointing bricks, or if required by law to comply with health or safety regulations.
There are exemptions to the restrictions which include: watering public sports playing fields, turf farms, and golf courses; watering of flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees using micro-irrigation, drip-irrigation, or a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle; commercial car washes so long as each vehicle wash does not exceed 57 litres of water; and through a special permit issued under this bylaw.
Additionally, owners or occupiers of property who are physically or mentally incapacitated and are unable to water their property within the restricted days and times may water their property on any two days of the week for a maximum of eight hours per day.
Town staff will also be adjusting the watering schedule in the Town’s parks to align with Stage 1 Water Restrictions.
More information on the Town of Osoyoos watering restrictions can be found here and for information on Water Smart Osoyoos visit here.
