3. How can you monitor agricultural use?
We have water system operators checking agricultural users. Please remember that during the summer months, approximately 75% of water in the urban area is used for residential lawn sprinkling.
4. Can I hand water my flower and vegetable gardens? Can I do it whenever it needs to be done?
Hand watering with a watering can or bucket can be done any day during permitted hours (6 am to 10 am and 7 pm to 12 midnight).
5. I just put down new turf and I need to water in order not lose it.
Owners with new landscaping can apply in writing to RDNO-GVW for an exemption.
- Download a Water Use Exemption Application
- Return to our office at: 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC
6. My lawn was recently fertilized and it needs to water.
Please ensure that your gardening contractor sends us the address of your property the day that it is fertilized. Properties that have been fertilized will be allowed to water that day.
7. Can I fill my pond?
Operation of decorative ponds or fountains is allowed if the water is recirculated. Current water restrictions must be taken into consideration at all times.
8. Can I wash my car?
Vehicle, boat, home and window washing will be allowed if done responsibly. Current water restrictions must be taken into consideration at all times.
Please be conservative with usage. Remember, every drop counts.
9. I was on vacation and missed my water day – can I water today?
You can apply in writing to RDNO-GVW Water for the exemption.
- Download a Water Use Exemption Application
- Return to our office at: 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream, BC
10. Can I fill my pool or hot tub?
Current water restrictions must be taken into consideration at all times. Filling or refilling (topping up) of a pool or hot tub is allowed, water restrictions permitting, but please be water wise and don’t empty your pool or hot tub during a water shortage unless it is the end of season.
11. Are apartment buildings and businesses restricted to watering the same as residential?
Yes, restrictions are in place for both residential and commercial users.
12. Is there anyone in charge of policing these emergency watering restrictions?
Yes, we have been following up on complaints received and speaking to those who are watering illegally. Turn offs or fines may result in misuse of water resources.
13. Are Seniors and commercial property exempt from the water restrictions?
No, restrictions are in place for all residential and commercial users who do not gain their living from agriculture.
14. I live in a strata - how do I know what day I am allowed to water?
Strata units are dictated by the UNIT number not the PARENT address. If your strata is located at #3 - 1600 Water Way you would water on ODD calendar days (Unit number 3) between the hours of 6 am and 10 am and 7 pm and 12 midnight.
For a list of watering restrictions stages, click here.
REMEMBER: Sprinklering is NOT PERMITTED between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
15. What do I do if I want to report someone for excessive watering?
You can e-mail or call us at 250-550-3700 to report misuse of water. Please note that we require the actual address of the residence in order to follow up.
16. I have an automatic irrigation system, can I program it to run in the night?
Yes, residents with automatic sprinkler systems controlled by a timer may also irrigate between the hours of midnight and 6 am on their scheduled watering day.
17. I am an agricultural user - am I allowed to water every day?
Agricultural users are allowed to irrigate their agricultural lands but are dictated by water restrictions in effect for their lawn and home garden, equivalent to a domestic user.
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