Cranbrook Implements Stage 3 Watering Restrictions Effective October 4

Effective October 4, 2023, the City of Cranbrook has announced mandatory Stage 3 watering restrictions to conserve water resources. This decision comes as the municipality grapples with declining water levels in its drinking water reservoir, prompting significant changes to outdoor water usage regulations.

Residents are now required to limit outdoor watering to just one day per week. Specifically, those with even-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays, while odd-numbered addresses can do so on Tuesdays. Watering can only occur during the designated hours of 06:00 to 08:00 or 20:00 to 22:00, but not both. Importantly, manual sprinklers are no longer permitted under these restrictions.

Residents can continue to maintain their lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower gardens using hoses equipped with shut-off nozzles or in-ground irrigation systems. However, watering of vegetable gardens and edible plants is allowed as long as it is done with the same equipment.

Jason Perrault, the Deputy Director of Public Works, highlighted the urgency of this measure, stating, “Based on the data we’re collecting, we’re seeing about 1,000 imperial gallons of water per minute being used for watering lawns this late in the year. We are effectively draining our drinking water reservoir to irrigate dormant grass and shrubs.”

In light of the water conservation efforts, the City is also taking steps to prepare for the winter months. Perrault mentioned that city crews are actively winterizing all irrigation systems, encouraging residents with in-ground systems to follow suit.

The full list of restrictions includes the following:

– Watering reduced to one day per week.
– Watering of vegetable gardens and edible plants only with a hose featuring a shut-off nozzle or through in-ground irrigation systems.
– Watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, and flower gardens using a hose with a shut-off nozzle or in-ground irrigation systems, prohibiting manual sprinklers.
– No washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, building surfaces, or windows.
– No washing of personal vehicles.
– No filling of pools, hot tubs, ponds, or fountains.
– No watering of new sod and seed, with no exemption permits issued.

The City of Cranbrook is committed to monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about water conservation strategies and tips for saving water both indoors and outdoors. For more information, visit the City of Cranbrook’s official website.