Starting on May 1, local lawns can be watered twice-weekly until Sept. 30 in Abbotsford.
Even-numbered addresses can water lawns Wednesdays and Saturdays while odd-numbered addresses can water Thursdays and Sundays, in both cases from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
A city report notes that this year’s lack of snowpack in the watershed and the potential for warmer -than-average temperatures could force the city to rely more on its wells for water this summer.
Abbotsford gets its water from Norrish Creek, but is also serviced by the Bevan Wells, for which the operational days align with the restrictions.
Coun. Patricia Ross said she was concerned by the lack of snowpack and encouraged the public to comply with the regulations.
She said the restrictions are mainly for lawns, while planters or vegetable gardens can still be watered by hand if the hose is not continually running.
Sprinkling restrictions have been part of water conservation efforts in Abbotsford since 1995.
Outdoor water saving kits can be purchased at city hall and include a sprinkler timer and a spring-loaded shut off device.