Dawson Creek to up water conservation restrictions to stage three

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Water conservation measures are increasing in Dawson Creek as the city resorts to tapping into its reservoirs.

At the September 8th council meeting, the City of Dawson Creek voted to enact stage three water conservation regulations.

This comes a few months after the city enacted stage two water conservation measures earlier in the summer.

According to the city’s chief administrative officer, Kevin Henderson, the city is already tapping into its reservoirs amid low flows in the Kiskatinaw River.

According to a press release, water from Bearhole Lake would be used to top up supplies in previous years, but even the lake is “not recharging” amid the drought.

“Overall water consumption must be reduced to make it through the winter months without emergency support from the province,” the release reads.

During the meeting, Henderson said: “Last week, [our intake] was 9,300 cubic metres per day, and today it’s 5,600 cubic metres per day.

“So in a week we’ve seen significant drop-off.”

Henderson went on to say the city currently has roughly 150 days’ worth of water stored, and pumping continues at a reduced rate.

“I think we are in a position where we need to, probably, step up our messaging a little bit, because it’s getting a little bit more critical,” he said. “Not that it wasn’t [before], but as we creep into fall and early winter, you’re right: if we don’t get any significant moisture before freeze-up, we are going to be relying solely on reservoirs.”

The previous stage two restrictions mean residents are only able to water their lawns on specific days of the week and times based on their home address, and also require the use of automatic shut-off devices on hoses when washing boats or cars.

Stage two restrictions also prohibit the hauling of bulk water for ‘non-potable use’ in hydraulic fracturing operations.

Once they come into effect, stage three restrictions will see the use of sprinklers and soakers prohibited, meaning plants will need to be watered by hand using an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Lawn watering will be restricted to between 4 a.m. and 9 .a.m or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. one day per week depending on your home address: Wednesdays for even numbers and Thursdays for odd numbers.

The washing of vehicles will also be prohibited unless it’s required for safe operation, like cleaning off windows and lights, and the hydraulic fracking restriction will remain in effect.

Stage three restrictions also prohibit water being used to fill or refill garden ponds, fountains, private hot tubs or swimming pools.

People can only use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle to wash sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs or other outdoor surfaces for certain reasons, which include preparing them for painting, sealing or similar work, preventing or controlling fires, or for health and safety reasons.

Stage three conservation measures will come into effect for the city on Thursday, September 11th from 12 p.m.