The City of Kamloops is proposing to make a number of significant changes as part of a revamp of its Drought Response Plan.
Utility Services Manager Greg Wightman says the biggest difference people will notice is the end of the odd-even watering system that is in effect between May and August.
Instead, he says all properties across Kamloops will be put into three groups – addresses ending in 00 to 30, 31 to 60, and 61 to 99 – to allow for a more phased approach to water restrictions.
“During regular restrictions everybody will get three days a week where they are allowed to water lawns and trees and shrubs,” Wightman said, noting the changes come following a review of the “enhanced” watering restrictions that were developed and implemented last year.
“We’ll be able to go from the regular restrictions of three days a week down to one day a week for things like lawn watering, and then a complete ban on it in Level 5.”
Another major change being proposed is a shift to year-round water restrictions in Kamloops.
“Our springs are coming early and our summers are lasting longer so to have a defined season when restriction would be in place, it wasn’t really practical any more,” Wightman said.
“We’re seeing a lot of communities move away from that. It’s just really an acknowledgement of the changing seasons that we’re faced with, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to protect water throughout the entire year.”
A look at the proposed changes to the Kamloops Drought Response Plan. (Photo via City of Kamloops)
Wightman says the plan – which is going before City Council on Tuesday – does allow for drip irrigation to trees, shrubs, and food-producing plants, based on feedback from last summer.
“You’ll be allowed to use drip irrigation throughout all the stages, albeit a little less at Level 5,” Wightman said.
“We’re all going to have to get used to brown lawns in Kamloops in August. The ability to maintain a green lawn in severe drought season is not practical and its not good for the environment. But we do understand the value of protecting trees and that food security pieces that comes from having a vegetable garden in the backyard.”
Wightman says the plan will also lays out how the city will reduce its own water use during periods of drought, while still protecting public infrastructure.
It will also lay out restrictions to vehicle and boat washing; the washing of sidewalks, driveways, and patios; as well as the filling of pools and hot tubs, all of which will be severely restricted at Drought Level 5.
City Councillors are being asked for their input and to allow staff to being the process to implement these new changes ahead ahead of what is expected to be another bad drought and fire season this year, as a lack of precipitation and high temperatures has led to low snowpack levels in the mountains.
Wightman says people can expect to see new drought signage – similar to wildfire risk signs – that will show which level of drought is currently active. He says they may also be increased fines for people who are in violation of the restrictions, especially during times of enhanced restrictions.
The current fines are $100 for the first offence and $200 for each subsequent offence.
You can read about the proposed changes to the Kamloops Drought Response Plan here.
