The City of Port Alberni is implementing Stage 1 water restrictions a little later than usual.
As of Wednesday, July 24, Port Alberni residents and residents of the Beaver Creek Water System will have to adhere to a watering schedule. Even-numbered addresses can water their lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers on even-numbered days between 6-9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. Odd-numbered addresses, meanwhile, can water on odd-numbered days.
Residents can continue with drip or micro-irrigation and hand-watering using a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail or bucket any day at any time, for a maximum of two hours. Residents can also wash their vehicles and outdoor surfaces any day at any time using a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail or bucket.
In previous years, the city has moved into Stage 1 water restrictions at the beginning of July. This year, however, the city saw a cooler, wetter spring, and officials say the city's water reservoirs are in "good shape," so water restrictions came a little later than usual.
“While we did not receive the hot temperatures experienced last spring, it is still important to practice conserving water during the hot summer months to help preserve this precious resource,” said John Stephen, utilities superintendent for the city’s engineering and public works department.
The city also recommends letting lawns go dormant throughout the summer to save water. Other tips include avoiding the permanent-press cycle on your washing machine, taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving and checking your property for any leaks or drips.
For more information on water restrictions, visit www.portalberni.ca.
Cherry Creek also implements water restrictions
The Cherry Creek Waterworks District announced on Tuesday, July 23 that it is also implementing Stage 1 water restrictions. This means residents of Cherry Creek will also be required to adhere to the above watering schedule.