Town council has approved amendment to its water utility bylaw that are designed to enhance water sustainability.
The changes aim to increase operational flexibility, drawing on insights gained from the October 2023 water/wastewater emergency.
For the layman, most of it is a refinement in the bylaw's language to clarify actions imposed during water emergencies.
The biggest change residents will notice is the expansion of the irrigation time frame from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Previously, there were two narrower time frames of 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. and 5 - 10 a.m.
When level 2 restrictions are in place, hot tub and outdoor pool filling will be restricted as well as an acknowledgement that level 2 can be utilized if requested by provincial authorities.
In level 3, flexibility has been introduced to allow domestic bulk water sales if conditions permit. It also introduces language which allows operations, the flexibility to tailor restrictions to meet specific emergency requirements.
Shane Hubl, director of operations services, told council expanding the time frame for overnight irrigation isn't counterproductive. Having two windows is believed to have caused a spike in water use in the early morning prior to a peak usage period. In combination, they cause an acute draw upon town reservoirs in the morning.
First reading was given to the bylaw at council's Mar. 11 meeting. Second and third reading were approved last night.
READ MORE: Proposed bylaw changes informed by water emergency
Tue, Apr 23, 5:00 PM
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