Stage two water measures continue in Balfour
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay is keeping the Stage two Water Conservation measures in place in Balfour after record-high demands and a faulty filter reduced the capacity of the treatment plant.
“We initially observed that consumption decreased during peak hours but then water use increased over the past weekend,” said Jason McDiarmid, RDCK Manager of Utility Services said in a statement.
The RDCK implemented Stage two water restrictions in early July following record levels of water demand in the Balfour area.
However, staff then discovered cracks in one of the media filters forcing the shut down the filter last week resulting in decreased treatment capacity.
RDCK staff is currently working to replace the defective filter but this job could take several months, as it is a significant undertaking.
During the Stage two measures, RDCK staff, in analyzing water-use patterns in the Balfour system, has noted significant overnight demands.
Staff is trying to determine whether the demands are a result of leakage, nighttime sprinkling, or regular water use.
In the meantime, Balfour residents are asked to adhere to the following Stage two Water Conservation measures:
- Sprinkling of gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs is permitted ONE DAY PER WEEK for a maximum of 2 hours between 4 to 7 AM and 7 to 10 PM. Hand watering by hose with automatic spring-nozzle shut off device and hand-held watering container is still permitted anytime during the day.
- Washing sidewalks, driveways, vehicles, and outdoor surfaces is not permitted nor is filling hot tubs or swimming pools.
During the Stage two measures, RDCK staff, in analyzing water-use patterns in the Balfour system, has noted significant overnight demands.
Staff is trying to determine whether the demands are a result of leakage, nighttime sprinkling, or regular water use.
Residents and businesses can obtain more details on these water conservation measures in RDCK Bylaw 2052 on the district website:www.rdck.bc.ca or by calling 250-352-6665.
The continuing of Stage two measures in Balfour comes on the heels of a request by the City of Nelson asking residents to be conscientious of consumption as staff watches reservoir levels.
City of Nelson Utilities Supervisor Gil Bogaard said the situation has not reached the emergency stages yet, but but with the extended spells of hot weather the creeks will start dropping soon.
See Previous Story: https://thenelsondaily.com/news/high-demand-forces-rdck-issue-stage-two-water-measures-25487#.UfK_7VO8JE4
