Warmer temperatures and increased demand have staff predicting a call for Stage 3 water restrictions in a few weeks time.
“I don’t expect that we have to go to Stage 3 anytime until early August, and it all depends on the amount of rain and actual demand,” said Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) infrastructure general manager Remko Rosenboom during a water use update on July 16.
The first two weeks of July were drier than June and significant rainfall isn’t expected in the coming weeks. A long-term Environment Canada forecast predicts a higher likelihood of warmer than normal weather for the rest of July and into September, but no clear picture of what precipitation will look like, said Rosenboom.
Demand has increased, especially in Pender Harbour, which staff suggested is because of increased tourism and more people using secondary homes.
Staff are continuing to resolve leaks and since early May have detected 183 leaks, many of which are likely linked to irrigation systems starting up for growing season.
Stage 2 was called for those on the Chapman, Granthams, Langdale and Soames systems on July 10, which includes a ban on lawn watering. The Eastbourne water system flipped to Stage 3 that day due to very low well levels.
Rosenboom also updated directors on an attempt to monitor Chapman Creek at a reduced flow. He said they are still working on getting approval to reduce flow levels below the mandated 200 litres per second in order to monitor impacts on the creek. Flow levels remain above 200 litres per second.
