City of Merritt quickly jumps to Level Three Watering Restrictions

MERRITT – After announcing Level Two Water Restrictions, the City of Merritt released their intentions to instead go higher to Level Three Watering Restrictions.

“While the City’s three aquifers currently have ample water, the challenge comes with protecting fish habitat, particularly in the Coldwater River,” wrote the City in their release. “The Coldwater River is a ‘losing reach’ or ‘sinking river’ where incoming water drains into the city’s aquifers, effectively reducing water levels in the Coldwater River and causing stress to fish habitats. Level 3 watering restrictions will help protect this important ecosystem.”

As part of level three restrictions, households are limited to watering two days a week. Even numbered houses are allowed to water on Wednesdays and Fridays. Whereas odd numbered houses are able to water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Watering times during level three are the same as level two. Manual sprinklers can be used between 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and again from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.. Automatic irrigation is also allowed to be used between the times of 12:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m..

Hand watering, plants, vehicles, power washing, or topping up swimming pools, is still running at a level two and is permitted anytime.