Osoyoos is planning on introducing a water conservation bylaw restricting watering between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Town staff suggested these are the peak water use hours, and by placing an overall restriction during these hours it will assist with meeting water demands, especially during the summer months. Last week Osoyoos council gave third reading to the bylaw which is expected to be endorsed at the May 16 regular council meeting.
“This is a very comprehensive bylaw that has a lot of phasing,” said CAO Barry Romanenko. “This is based on a study we did a few years back and now we are moving forward based on that study.”
A permit process is available through the bylaw to give leniency to those who have just planted grass or sod and require more frequent watering than the staged restriction allows.
Bylaw enforcement officers have the authority to enter at all reasonable times on a property that is subject to the bylaw to ascertain whether the requirements of the bylaw are being met or the regulations in the bylaw are being observed.
The town may also turn off the supply of water to any person breaking the bylaw. That person will also be charged $50 for turning off the water service. The charge for returning water service to a resident not complying with provisions of the bylaw will also be $50.
Council will determine the stage of restriction based on the reservoir capacity, stream flow and precipitation.