Watch Your Water Use This Weekend

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is calling on residents on the South Pender Harbour, Eastbourne and Chapman water systems to be very mindful of their water consumption, particularly during the upcoming long weekend.

Despite current Stage 2 water conservation regulations, water use in these water systems remains high. At this time of the year these systems are rain dependent, and as there is no substantial amount of rain in the forecast, these three systems are experiencing increased seasonal pressures.

Current consumption levels mean that residents are using more water than these systems can sustainably supply. This is particularly concerning given that there is no rain in sight and the current warm weather is expected to stay with us for the foreseeable future.

“Reducing water use is critical,” said Rosenboom. “It’s not just about following regulations, it’s about working together to ensure we have enough safe, clean water for drinking, (wild) fire protection, and essential services, now and in several months from now.”

Under Stage 2 water conservation regulations, lawn watering with a sprinkler, soaker hose, hose with nozzle, hand watering, or micro-spray is prohibited, and the SCRD is urging all users to:

• Review irrigation times to make sure they are necessary, aim to reduce watering times by 25-50%, especially for large systems.
• Prioritize food gardens over landscaping and use stored rainwater when possible.
• Try to avoid flushing when you don’t have to – and consider employing the cottage life mantra: ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow’.
• Avoid washing vehicles, boats, or equipment unless absolutely necessary.
• Reschedule non-essential maintenance until the fall.
• Fix any leaking pipes or fixtures as soon as you are aware of them.

Whether it’s small actions such as taking a shorter shower or bigger actions like only using the water you really need in your garden, all actions add up. Visit www.scrd.ca/water-regulations for further details.

A reminder that staff do not take bylaw complaints by phone. Please submit bylaw complaints using the online form at www.scrd.ca/bylaw-complaint-form