UPDATE July 25:
Grindrod's water reservoir has been replenished, meaning residents can water outside again.
They can also drink safely from the tap as a boil water advisory has been lifted.
Watering restrictions were put in place earlier this week due to overuse which had depleted the reservoir.
"As a result of the community’s efforts to reduce water demand, the No Outdoor Watering notice, issued on July 22, 2024 has been lifted; however, there are still some restrictions in place," the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) advises.
The community is now under normal outdoor watering restrictions which limits manual sprinkler use to between 6-10 a.m. and 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Automated sprinklers are only allowed from 12-6 a.m.
Micro-jet and drip irrigation is allowed at anytime
Residents may water any time by hand with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle.
"Did you know that overwatering your lawn not only affects your community’s water supply, it can also harm the health of your grass," the RDNO advises.
Most lawns need just 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of water per week — about the depth of a tuna can.
"An easy way to see whether you are watering an appropriate amount is to place an empty tuna can with the lid off in an area where you are irrigating."
When the can is full, usually after 15 to 20 minutes, you know that your grass has gotten an adequate amount of water.
"Watering for more than one hour per location is strictly forbidden."
ORIGINAL July 22:
Overuse of water over the past weekend has left the water reservoir that feeds Grindrod Water Utility nearly empty.
With that, outdoor watering is no longer permitted, according to a Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) release issued Monday, July 22.
"The Grindrod Water Treatment Plant (GRWTP) has been operating at full capacity, and due to excessively high-water use, reservoir levels cannot be maintained," the notice reads. "If residents continue to use water at the current rate, the reservoir will become empty, leaving no water for essential household use."
The reservoir is at 11 per cent as of July 22 and continuing to decrease.
There is also a planned shutdown scheduled for July 24 to complete one step of the generator install which is needed to support a resilient water supply.
"The RDNO has a plan in place to supply essential water use to customers during the shutdown; however, outdoor watering must stop immediately to allow the reservoir to refill before the generator project begins," the RDNO said.
If the reservoir is not able to fill, customers will not have water for essential use during the July 24 planned construction work.
Under these water restrictions, residents may water by hand with a watering can or with a hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle but are asked to do so only to maintain plant health.
"Under no circumstances can hoses or sprinklers be left running unattended as this will increase the risk of emptying the reservoir and the utility entirely losing water."
If the stored water is used before the work is complete, customers will lose water for all purposes until the project is completed.
In addition, effective Wednesday, July 24, water use is only permitted for essential household purposes for 24 hours.
"It is suggested that you store a short-term water supply for cooking, washing hands and toilet use before this planned work."
