Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 27, 2010 7:00 PM
A ban on pool owners tapping into the domestic water supply could be on the verge of collapsing. North Okanagan Regional District phones have been ringing off the hook since the decision was made last week to prevent pools from being filled or refilled, and the entire issue will be before the NORD board May 5. “It’s being reviewed,” said Al Cotsworth, utility manager, of the decision. Restrictions were placed on water going into pools because of low snowpack and reservoirs. “This is the worst event we’ve seen in 41 years,” said Cotsworth of water supply.
As part of the board discussion May 5, the local pool industry will provide information on water use, pool types, how many people work in the sector and its economic impact. “We need the data to make an informed decision,” said Cotsworth. Director Jack Gilroy is already vowing to make a motion that allows residents to fill their pools. “They need water in their pool or the sides cave in,” he said. “There will be some impact on water supply but we have to take care of people too.” At least one pool installer has had orders cancelled since the regulations came into place, and he has laid his staff off. “It’s a multi-million-dollar industry. We’ll be putting people out of business,” said Gilroy.
Resident Robin Cleaveley told Vernon council Monday that the regulations put his pool at risk. “I need to put water in my pool to maintain my investment. It will deteriorate without water,” he said. There is also concern that if pools weren’t fully drained last year, or if they collect rain, that they will pose a public health threat. “I have a mosquito breeding factory in my backyard,” said Cleaveley. Coun. Buffy Baumbrough supports the regional district taking a look at the regulations. “We have to balance between someone wanting to protect an expensive asset while dealing with a shortage of water,” she said.
But until the NORD board debates the matter May 5, the regulations prohibiting residents from using the water supply for filling pools remains in place. Options pool owners can pursue to fill their pools include using a water hauler, well or lake if it is available to them.
2 comments:
So, I'm assuming that Messrs. Gilroy, Lippert and Nicol, being the Vernon reps on the NORD Board were present when they were presented with the colour graph that showed up in the paper on the weekend? In fact I think they probably voted to support the restrictions. So now these restrictions don't make any sense?
I'm sorry but here's the deal guys.
If you make these exemptions and the unthinkable happens, you have put the rich minority of pool-owners ahead of everybody else. Simple as that.
By making these comments now you are just displaying that you either weren't paying attention when you voted, or that you are stupid enough to listen to people who would put their interests before everybody else.
Bottom line.
Where do you stand?
First they all argeed-a 9% increase across the board-they did not understand and then the agriculture reps gave them a hard time and so they hit the silent majority only!Then the restrictions and then they listened to the rich and famous and so now they propose to hit the silent majority. These politicians don't do their homework and are easily influenced by their "friends
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