City of Nelson says it’s too early to determine the effects of this year’s snowpack levels on local water reservoirs.
April’s snowpack levels in the West Kootenay were measured at 72 per cent of normal levels. Across the province, the average snowpack hit a 50-year record low of 63 percent.
The levels have prompted some municpalities to impose water conservation regulations ahead of drought season,including Cranbrook, which is currently in stage 2 of water restrictions.
However the City of Nelson said it will depend on this years freshet to detrmine what water conservation efforts will be needed in the city.
During an Apr. 22 Nelson City Council meeting, Chris Johnson, Manager of Community Planning, said the city currently has an abundance of water right now, and that its not in the position yet where it must start monitoring its water behaviors.
“For us, it’s a very confusing time for people, because of course there’s a lot of discussion around drought. Because Snowpack is our reservoir, we aren’t drawing down a reservoir by active use now or looking into building up our reservoir by curtailing use now. We have an abundant amount of water right now.”
Johnson says once it gets to be later into the freshet season, the city will be tracking how the creeks and streams flowing in snowpack to the local reservoirs, then the city will be able to determine what types of behavioral changes need to be implemented throughout the city.
That said, CAO Kevin Cormack said it’s important for residents to note that the city has year-round watering bylaws in place that prohibit regular lawn watering, even prior to drought season.
“Odd watering is our regular watering. Now, that’s not water restrictions. That is the normal way you must water in Nelson at any time. You’re not supposed to water every day as the norm. You don’t need to water every day. Even though we’re not under water restrictions.”
The city’s watering bylaws allow lawn watering and sprinkler irrigation systems between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. and then again between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Even-numbered addresses are only permitted to water on even-numbered days of the month, and odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days.
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