Level Three Watering Restrictions in effect for Merritt

MERRITT — Merritt will once again limit water use as another long hot and dry summer looms.

Level three watering restrictions limit watering to two times a week. Hand watering and washing is permitted anytime.

Even numbered addresses will water Thursday and Sundays. Odd numbered addresses will be assigned to Tuesday and Saturday.

Strata complexes and mobile home parks should water according to unit number.

With lower than average snowpack in the region this winter, groundwater levels are currently projected to suffer throughout summer 2024 if the region doesn’t see more rain or snow in the coming months.

The current raw data shows groundwater levels notably below historic 10-year min/max levels.

The City of Merritt is working on a management plan for the year intended to reduce the likelihood of highly restrictive levels 4 and 5.

Part of this effort is to continue watering restrictions and enforcement early in the year.

As impending drought and wild fire risk increase, the City is keeping level three watering restrictions. 

The city is encouraging residents to practice water conservation year-round to protect our drinking water and fish habitats, particularly on the Coldwater River, which is a “losing reach” or “sinking river” where incoming water drains into the city’s aquifers.

There are different ways Merrittonians can conserve water creatively and efficiently.

You can collect rainwater or consider purchasing a rain barrel.

Locals can also use an auto shut-off valve when washing outdoors and try to direct run-off onto permeable surfaces like lawns or gravel.

You can let lawns go brown and dormant in the summer. Merrittonians can also consider replacing lawns and ornamental gardens with drought-tolerant plants. Learn about Xeriscaping.

It’s suggested avoiding new plantings in the heat of the summer, instead planting in the spring or fall only.

Locals can also take shorter showers and avoid baths, avoid letting the water run when brushing your teeth or washing dishes, and also save grey water for watering plants.

Watering hours for manual sprinklers will be 6 a.m–8 a.m or 7 p.m–9 p.m. Automated irrigation will be set for midnight–2 a.m.

Hand watering of plants (excluding lawns), washing vehicles, or power washing with a user-controlled flow nozzle with shut-off valve is permitted at anytime during Level three watering restrictions.

The City recommends that residents wash vehicles over grass or gravel when possible so that run off water drains into the earth instead of down the drains.

At this time, residents may only top up swimming pools, spas, or ponds.