Greater Vernon residents are once again allowed to fill their backyard pools and hot tubs, and wash their vehicles. The North Okanagan Regional District has passed a motion that puts the stage 3 water restrictions on hold for two weeks due to recent improvements to water levels. Vernon director Wayne Lippert says while the Duteau Creek source is low, Kal Lake has adequate supply and it sources 75 percent of local homes. "The level three restrictions will not be enforced. They've been set aside for two weeks. It's been determined there's adequate water resources out of Kal Lake and as well, there's a spillway out of the lower reservoirs of the Duteau Creek system.
The board's decision came after hearing from a pool company and turf farm operator impacted by the rules. Lee Kazmar says pools do not use as much water as people perceive. He says research has shown that even with the filling of new pools the consumption as an industry is only point five percent of overall residential consumption. Kazmar estimates up to 3,000 Greater Vernon homes have pools, and the industry has lost $1million dollars so far as a result of the restrictions. Bonnie Liebel, who runs Lavington Turf Farm, says its been devastating for their business. "Pretty much we're not selling turf because people think that turf is not a good thing to plant right now. Since the restrictions were put in place two weeks ago, our business has declined by more than 50%, and it continues to drop everyday."
1 comment:
So-turf is not a good idea for this arid area-does it take a rocket scientist to understand that? Look at the city of vernon and all the grass areas along 25th ave-was that a good idea? No-we have uninformed beaurocraps and ignorant politicians.
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