Sicamous residents are asked to avoid non-essential outdoor water use as the district moves into Stage 2 water restrictions.
Stage 2 restrictions went into effect in the district on Tuesday, July 16, limiting automatic watering via sprinkler or irrigation system to two days per week – even numbered addresses on Mondays and Thursdays, and odd numbered addresses on Tuesdays and Fridays. The district said this is to better manage water demand (which, when high, can strain treatment and distribution infrastructure) and ensure sufficient supply during the summer and severe drought conditions.
Manual watering (handheld by hose) can still be done at any time.
People found guilty of an infraction of the district's water regulations may be fined up to $100 for each offence.
Sicamous' 'Stage 2 restrictions come with no time frame for outdoor water use on designated days. The City of Salmon Arm's Stage 2 restrictions, which recently came into effect, come with a two-hour per day restriction, with no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to minimize water loss by evaporation. The city's preferred time for automated irrigation is from midnight to 7 a.m to reduce peak demand.
The district added water restriction phases (stages 1-4) to its water regulations in July 2022. Under Stage 3, automatic watering is prohibited and manual watering is limited to two days per week. Under Stage 4, unless it's for health and safety reasons, outdoor watering is prohibited. For more information, visit sicamous.ca/live-here/water-conservation2
