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Cranbrook, BC (March 25, 2024) – Council gave three readings to the new Outdoor Water Use and Regulation Bylaw No. 4144, 2024 on Monday, which will update the current bylaw and regulate year-round outdoor water use in the City’s four-stage watering restrictions.

“Following last year’s conditions at the Phillips Reservoir and the utilization of Stage 3 Water Regulations in 2023, the City has learned a lot about where it can improve, adapt, and further protect the City’s water supply,” says Jason Perrault, Deputy Director of Public Works. “We have heard the feedback from the community and internal stakeholders about outdoor water use and are implementing and embedding those changes in this new bylaw.”

Some of the key changes in the new Outdoor Water Use Bylaw No. 4144, 2024, as compared to the current version from 2022, include changes to all watering stages:

• All Watering Restriction Stages
  • Commercial properties to be regulated the same as residential properties
  • Provisions to implement water restrictions based on the replenishment of the Phillips Reservoir, not just the overall level of the Phillips Reservoir
• Stage 1 and Stage 2 Watering Restrictions
  • Maximum of two watering hours between 5:00 am and 10:00 am OR 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm on permitted days
• Stage 3 Watering Restrictions
  • Maximum of one watering hour between 6:00 am and 8:00 am OR 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm
• Stage 4 Watering Restrictions
  • Removal of golf courses, as they are not connected to the City water system for irrigation purposes
  • Concrete and asphalt plants, water bottling facilities and hydroponic facilities included in list of businesses that would not be permitted to use City water during Stage 4 Watering Restrictions

“By limiting outdoor watering to only two hours per day on your property’s watering day we can significantly reduce the amount of water we use in the community and further our focus on water conservation,” says Perrault. “If the new bylaw is adopted by Council, watering days will remain the same. Even numbered properties can water Monday, Thursday, and Saturday while odd numbered properties can water Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. Nobody waters on Waterless Wednesdays.”

Residents will still be permitted to water vegetable gardens or edible plants any day of the week under the provisions of the new bylaw.

As well, there are permit provisions for new lawns and for landscape companies that have projects started prior to the City moving to an increased stage of watering restrictions.

Staff are continuing to keep a close eye on the Phillips Reservoir and the tributaries feeding into the reservoir to ensure the City maintains adequate water levels. The City will be continuing to promote water conservation initiatives throughout 2024 and continue the Water Ambassador program to provide education and increase the monitoring of outdoor water use over the summer months.

The Outdoor Water Use Bylaw No. 4144, 2024 will be back at the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, April 8, 2024 for adoption.

A copy of the proposed bylaw and the accompanying staff report that went to the March 25, 2024 Regular Council Meeting can be found here.

More information on the City’s Water Conservation rebate program for programmable above ground sprinkler timers and rain barrels can be found here.