Dry conditions mean Greater Vernon residents are urged to conserve water.
Greater Vernon Water has initiated stage one outdoor water use restrictions.
“At stage one water restrictions, we ask customers to do what they can to conserve water and voluntarily reduce water use by 10 per cent,” said Renee Clark, water quality manager.
Residents and businesses may water outdoors up to three days per week before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. as follows:
Odd address number - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Even address number - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Outdoor watering on Mondays is not permitted
“Duteau Creek water reservoir readings taken Thursday show the reservoirs have dropped below normal levels despite reaching maximum reservoir capacity in early May,” said Clark.
“In a typical year, we can rely on snow melt and wetter, cooler weather in June to keep our reservoir levels high before the peak water demand months of July and August. Precipitation in June was very low and we are experiencing increased water demands.”
Based on forecasts for continued hot and dry weather, GVW is urging customers to use water wisely and choose alternatives to using water when possible
If conditions worsen, stage two restrictions - irrigating twice a week - could be implemented. It calls for a mandatory 20 per cent reduction in consumption.
“Visit www.rdno.ca/waterwise to learn more about water conservation or contact our office,” said Clark.