By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
An Oliver water councillor has expressed concern about water restrictions in a town where many yards are dying.
Rick Machial commented on council’s water quality summary report for July, questioning the stage 1 and 2 restrictions.
It was reported that stage 2 restrictions were implemented on July 25, which allowed watering only two days a week. That stage was subsequently lifted, followed by the rescinding of stage 1 on Aug. 26.
Councillor Dave Mattes said it appears that water consumption is down substantially year over year and wanted to know if that was due to the restrictions. He also questioned what the lower consumption will do to water rates. “Because as we know, when usage goes down our rates go up.”
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said staff are monitoring water levels and expect everything to return to normal.
Goodsell said the Town does not have a water restriction bylaw, but staff are working on one right now.
Mattes expressed a concern about the Town looking very brown due to the heat killing the grass.
Machial agreed, saying the Town looks terrible. “There are a lot of dead lots, every second or third yard is brown.”
The councillor said if the river is flowing and local aquifers are full, there is no reason for the restrictions. “I don’t think we need to be doing that to citizens if we don’t have to.”
Mattes said when the aquifers return to normal levels, the restrictions should be lifted immediately.
Goodsell reported that the Rockcliffe domestic pump failed on July 24 and the reservoirs were dropping, which prompted the stage 2 restrictions. The new pump was subsequently installed on July 29 and the restrictions were still in effect.
Mattes said the Town should have a spare pump in reserve. But Goodsell said no two pumps are the same, and if something needs fixing, the Town is at the mercy of companies who offer that service.
Machial cautioned council to be aware of Town sprinklers over-watering some areas. If the Town is urging residents to be responsible in water use, it should be cognizant of its own practices, he pointed out.
