Taps will be turned off if water rules are defied: Merritt mayor
CBC
Extreme drought conditions and the likelihood of another challenging fire season have prompted a community in one of the driest parts of British Columbia to start managing its water supply early — and turning off the taps for people who don't follow the rules.
The City of Merritt has announced water restrictions — that the mayor says wouldn't usually be considered until mid-July — in an effort to conserve water ahead of wildfire season and get people in the habit of using less.
Level 3 watering restrictions are in effect, limiting lawn and garden watering to two times per week, on designated days depending on numbered addresses. Hand watering and washing is allowed any time.
Mayor Michael Goetz said he's anxious about the months ahead, knowing the snowpack is the lowest ever recorded at this time of year.
According to Agriculture Canada, the Merritt area, about 200 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, is facing a severe drought. The agency describes river levels as "significantly low."
By starting at Level 3 now, Goetz hopes the city won't have to enact tougher restrictions later in the year.
The city draws from two aquifers, according to Goetz: one about 73 metres below ground and a second about 152 metres below ground.
"With our aquifer, it's a guessing game because we really don't know how much is down there," he said, adding that the area is a semi-desert.
"We err on the side of caution to make sure that we have enough water to get us through the hotter times, because it gets hot here," said Goetz.
In previous years, the city has fined people who haven't followed watering restrictions. But now, officials say they plan to shut off homeowners' water if they don't follow the rules.
Goetz said rule-breakers will be given a letter explaining how they flouted restrictions and asking them not to do it again before a shut-off is considered.
"Paying a fine doesn't really do much because people pay the fine and then they continue with their bad behaviour," the mayor said.
Merritt resident Linda Warner said she's thrilled the city is being proactive about conserving water now.
"It's going to bring awareness and help everyone to conserve water," she said.
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