Brown is the new green this summer as far as lawns go in Salmon Arm.
At Monday’s municipal development and planning meeting, council and staff discussed whether or not there is a need to extend city watering restrictions.
In short, the answer was no – and yes.
Engineering and public works director Rob Niewenhuizen reported the city’s water treatment plant is currently running a little below average. Normally, he said, when temperatures are high, the plant produced up to 26 megaltires a day. Currently, it’s producing 18. However, Niewenhuizen noted water use is higher than he’d like to see on Mondays, when the city’s water reserves are replenished.
Coun. Ken Jamieson said there are a lot of Salmon Arm residents who are conscientious about water use and suggested the mayor thank the public for following the city’s sprinkling restrictions.
“I think maybe a thank you to the public would be a good way of reminding everybody that we need to use water responsibly,” said Jamieson.
Watering restrictions have been in effect since May 15, and run to Sept. 15. Sprinkling is allowed on designated days between 7 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 11 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. Watering days are designated by the last two address numbers as follows: 00-33 – Tuesday and Friday; 34-66 – Wednesday and Saturday; 67-99 – Thursday and Sunday. Those found failing to comply may be fined.