The Cariboo Regional District is reminding its residents to conserve water as its water systems experience higher-than-normal demands.
In a release issued to the public on Thursday, July 18 the CRD noted that this high demand combined with the hot and dry and weather means many of its systems are nearing their capacity. Overuse at this time could lead to systems running out of water.
The CRD further noted that low water reserves could also negatively impact the water quality and compromise the ability for the CRD's volunteer fire departments ability fight structure fires and wildfires. To reduce stress on the system the CRD Environmental Services department is asking community members to follow guidelines and conserve water whenever possible.
This includes following the mandatory sprinkling restrictions that are currently in effect across the CRD from May 1 to October 1. Enforcement may be used on those who do not adhere to these restrictions.
Currently, residents of Alexis Creek, Canim Lake, Lac La Hache, Russet Bluff and Forest Grove are restricted to only watering their lawns between the hours of 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. In Gateway, the 103 Mile, Lexington and Benjamin these hours are from 5 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 11 p.m.
Residents of Horse Lake and 108 Mile Ranch are restricted to between 6 to 8 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Even-numbered homes can only water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered homes can only water on odd-numbered days.
The CRD also encourages its residents to sign up for their Emergency Notification System to stay up to date on any emergencies related to their water or sewer system. While the CRD will go door to door in some instances, they are not always able to do so and will instead send email notifications to those in the Emergency Notification System.
Residents can sign up by going to cariboord.ca/EmergencyNotification or by downloading the Voyent Alert! app for free from the Apple or Android App stores.
