Despite the hot and dry weather this summer, Summerland still has lots of water in its reservoirs.
Shawn Hughes, water distribution chief operator for the municipality, said the reservoirs are at roughly three-quarters of full capacity.
The reservoirs have a capacity for 14,136 megalitres. The most recent measurements show 10,579 megalitres. “For this time of year, it looks pretty good,” Hughes said. “I don’t anticipate that we’ll hit Stage 2 on the trigger graph.”
As a result, the community remains at Stage 1 of its water conservation measures for residential properties.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, residential sprinkler or underground irrigation is permitted three times a week.
Under Stage 2 and Stage 3 restrictions, lawn and garden irrigation is limited further and under Stage 4 restrictions, no lawn watering is permitted.
In past years, Summerland has implemented more stringent restrictions to ensure the community had an adequate supply of water.
Hughes said public education and the installation of water meters have both helped to reduce domestic water use.
Water metering is to take effect in 2015.