The third stage of water restrictions is set to start for the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) on Friday, July 23 – less than three weeks after Stage 2 came into effect.
On July 19, the SCRD announced the prolonged dry weather conditions require more water restrictions for those on the Chapman water system.
“Despite our communication with residents about the need to conserve water through Stage 2 regulations, water consumption has not decreased and the Chapman Creek watershed supply has decreased more compared to previous years,” Remko Rosenboom, the general manager of infrastructure services, said in the press release. “At this time, we really need residents to conserve water at every opportunity, inside and outside the home. The community’s efforts will keep us in Stage 3 for as long as possible and decrease the chance of escalating to a complete ban on outdoor water use (Stage 4).”
Between July 5, when Stage 2 came into effect, and July 18, the daily water consumption on the Chapman system was consistently more than 15,000 cubic metres of water and sometimes exceeding 20,000 cubic metres per day.
For those on the Eastbourne water system, Stage 4 water restrictions are coming into effect even sooner – on July 21.
People using the SCRD’s water system in Egmont, Earls Cove and Pender Harbour are still under Stage 1 restrictions.
In Langdale, Soames Point and Granthams Landing, those using groundwater sources will follow Stage 2 restrictions.
Under Stage 3, watering lawns is not permitted. Watering trees, shrubs or flowers may only be done with a handheld hose that has a spray trigger, handheld container or micro-drip irrigation, and only between 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Vehicles or boats can only be washed to get rid of sea water. This is also the first stage that prohibits filling swimming pools, spas or garden ponds and fountains.
SCRD staff will continue to patrol neighbourhoods and investigate complaints about water usage. The fine for violating water restrictions during Stage 3 is $400.
As of July 19, the SCRD has issued 26 warnings and two fines.
Stage 2 came into effect on July 5, a week after a heat wave broke back-to-back temperature records on the Sunshine Coast, causing a massive die-off of marine life and a surge in water use.
Find more information about water restrictions and allowed use at www.scrd.ca/sprinkling-regulations.
