The Cariboo Regional District will introduce for the first time new irrigation restrictions and a water Services Management Bylaw starting May 1.
It’s being done to support water conservation and protect local water systems.
The Water Services Management Bylaw includes a staged water conservation system that allows the CRD to adjust restrictions throughout the year based on weather, demand, and supply levels.
Manager of Utilities for the CRD, Kelly McDonald said this bylaw will bring them into line with what most municipalities and Districts are doing now.
“What it does is encourage reasonable water use which will differ infrastructure replacement and capacity upgrades. And this will translate into savings over time for capital costs.”
The Cariboo Regional District said the new rules are being put in place because many community water systems are aging, and water levels often rise and fall with the seasons.
“They’re being really tested with their capacity,” McDonald said, “the good thing about the Water System Management Bylaw is even though the users in the Cariboo are very respectful and responsible, they’re really good with water use overall. Some are below the National and BC per capita averages, but it’s the rare, heavy users, it will give us a tool so that the majority won’t be penalized with capital cost because of system deterioration.”
By following the restrictions, the CRD said residents can help reduce strain on water systems, lower maintenance costs, and use water more responsibly.
The bylaw also outlines clear rules, enforcement measures, and fines for those who do not follow the restrictions.
“The goal is not to get revenue from the tickets, it’s basically just to make people aware of the criticality their system might be in,” McDonald said, “any enforcement revenue would be offset by staff cost, especially this first year there will be a lot of warnings.”
For more information about the new irrigation restrictions, including details about each conservation stage and possible penalties, visit cariboord.ca/watering-restrictions.
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