Snow-fed water sources drop to low levels, prompt stage one water restrictions in Nelson

As of this week, stage one water restrictions are now being instituted across the city’s water users after a bout of hot weather and no rain have singed the region.

Snow-fed water sources drop to low levels, prompt stage one water restrictions in Nelson Water restrictions in Nelson Correction note: Change to watering days for odd numbered addresses to Thursdays and Sundays. As of this week, stage one water restrictions are now being instituted across the city’s water users after a bout of hot weather and no rain have singed the region. Nelson's snow-fed water sources are low for this time of year, meaning people need to restrict their water usage.

Stage one restrictions allow watering of lawns only between 4-9 a.m. and 7-10 p.m., with even numbered addresses watering on Wednesdays and Saturdays only and odd numbered addresses watering on Thursdays and Sundays only. However, people can still water trees, shrubs and gardens at any time using a shut off nozzle or drip irrigation. As well, sprinklers and irrigation systems for gardens, trees and shrubs can be used between 4–9 a.m. and 7–10 p.m. on any day.

Nelson's drinking water does not come from Kootenay Lake, but from local creeks and forested watersheds that are replenished by winter snowpack, said Nelson utilities operations manager Scott Eagleson. As snowpack melts and stream flows decrease through the summer, these water sources naturally decline while higher temperatures lead to increased water use, he explained. “Making simple changes at home and following outdoor watering regulations will reduce stress on our water treatment system,” said Eagleson.

Last year, Nelson residents used an average of approximately 414 litres of water per person each day. During the peak summer month of August, that number climbed to 560 litres per person per day, with much of the increase coming from outdoor watering. Reducing lawn and garden watering is one of the simplest and most effective ways residents can help conserve water, said Eagleson.

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