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RDCK water users conserved water this summer

Residents were successful in conserving water in all of the RDCK water systems this summer.
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Residents and business owners were successful in conserving water in all of the RDCK water systems this summer.

Water conservation measures are normally in place from June 1st to September 30th every year for RDCK water systems and are effective in reducing peak demand as a result of outdoor irrigation during the hot and dry summer months.

This year, stricter water conservation measures were in place in the Balfour, McDonald Creek, Riondel, Woodland Heights, and Erickson Water Systems due to significant demand increase in combination with declining reservoir and/or supply water flows. The RDCK’s Water Smart program contributed greatly to the success of the water conservation efforts.

Two summer ambassadors were able to attend community events, deliver educational workshops, knock on over 500 doors to provide water conservation information, respond to overwatering concerns, and complete 89 Water Smart assessments in participating water systems.

The main objective of the 2017 Water Smart program was raising local awareness of sustainable water use. Xeriscaping, the practice of planting drought tolerant and native plant species which can reduce water usage by 50 percent, was promoted to RDCK water users.

In Erickson, water meters installed for 22 properties with commercial orchards were regularly monitored and usage was presented to the owner-operators with the aim to optimize irrigation and reduce peak demand in the Erickson Water System. The RDCK appreciates the cooperation of water users in adhering to the water conservation measures. Beginning October 1, all Water Conservation Measures will be rescinded in the RDCK Water Systems.

Water users can learn more about water conservation measures at the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/water.