City of Merritt Now Entering LEVEL FOUR Watering Restrictions

The City of Merritt has entered Level Four Watering Restrictions. In a press release, the City of Merritt’s Communications Manager Kim Mullins wrote that following information provided by the Province of BC’s Drought Information Portal, water restrictions are put in place to manage water usage and preserve fish habitat, particularly in the Coldwater River. The Portal says 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 4 watering restrictions limit LAWN watering to 1 TIME a week. Level 4 watering of vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers (does not include LAWNS) is permitted TWICE per week as needed using a manual or automated watering system or any time if hand watering or by drip irrigation system.

While the City is still allowing the watering of lawns one day a week, residents are encouraged to consider letting lawns to go dormant. Many grasses can stay dormant for up to four weeks without causing long-term damage.

Merritt residence living in even numbered addresses will be permitted to water lawns on Fridays with odd numbered residence allowed to water on Tuesdays. If you use a manual sprinkler, (i.e. sprinkler or hose with an automatic shut off valve) you are permitted to water your properties 6 am and 8 am.

For more details at: https://www.merritt.ca/watering