Merritt increases watering restrictions as drought worsens

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development have informed the City of Merritt that the watershed is now in Drought Level 4. (The scale runs from 1-5)

“Effective immediately, no sprinkling of lawns or flower gardens is allowed. Sprinkling of vegetable gardens can continue on the two days a week that you were already allowed to (Monday and Friday for even numbered homes, Tuesday and Saturday for odd numbers), and you can still use a hand-held controlled-flow nozzle at any time,” said Director of Corporate Services Greg Lowis.

“We will be increasing patrols of the City, and violators will be ticketed. In addition, we will not be issuing any exemptions, so we’re asking all residents to refrain from laying any new turf,” added Lowis.

The Rotary Park Spray Park will remain open for the time being.

“At the City side, we’re ending the irrigation of our flowers and grass in City parks. Our public works crews will try to keep some of the flowers looking as best they can while hand-watering, to keep our city beautiful,” said Lowis.

“We want to thank Merrittonians for their efforts in water conservation to protect our rivers, in what’salready one of the hottest, driest summers we’ve ever had.”