Use water wisely during heat wave: City of Kelowna

The City of Kelowna is reminding residents to use their water wisely during this week’s heatwave.

With an already dry spring and temperatures set to exceed 40ºC, there will be added pressure on Kelowna’s water supply system.

The City is asking people to only water their lawns and gardens on their assigned days and times, fix leaking taps or pipes and to avoid unnecessary use such as washing their cars or driveways.

Residents are only being asked to limit outdoor watering, so you and your pets can use as much water as necessary to stay as hydrated through the next few days.

Odd-numbered properties are asked to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Even-numbered properties can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

No properties are to water lawns or gardens on Mondays.

The City reminds people that they should have their underground irrigation systems set to run between the hours of midnight and 6 am on their assigned days.

Manual sprinklers can be used between 6 am and 10 am or 7 pm and midnight, on assigned days.

Residents are encouraged to avoid watering between 10 am and 7 pm because this will prevent water waste from evaporating.

This will also ensure Kelowna’s delivery systems can keep up with the water demand, especially if there are emergency situations such as fighting fires.

“Should the hot, dry weather and high water demand continue through the next few weeks, the City Utility may need to consider Stage 1 restrictions, which target additional water reduction,” says Andy Weremy, water operations manager.

“As we head into July, we will be closely monitoring lake levels and working directly with Okanagan Basin Water Board and other water purveyors to ensure we’re doing everything we can to take the pressure off Okanagan Lake during these incredibly hot days.”

For more information visit kelowna.ca/watersmart.