City watering ban begins
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Updated: July 28, 2009 3:53 PM
Abbotsford’s city-wide sprinkling ban comes into effect today (Tuesday), prohibiting residents from watering their lawns and hosing their driveways.
Rising temperatures, coupled with concerns over whether the city has the resources to cope with a surge in demand for water, prompted city hall’s decision.
City bylaw crews will be out this week to enforce the ban. Residents will be given a warning for a first offence, and then handed a $100 ticket if they continue.
Abbotsford Mayor George Peary said yesterday that the sprinkling ban is needed, but the city may loosen its stance should more rain be forthcoming.
“The reality is our water system is in pretty good shape, but the problem is distributing it. We run the risk [of running out] that’s not worth taking,” he said.
A surge in demand for water last Wednesday meant that the city came close to running out, before the reservoirs were replenished – by Norrish Creek – on Wednesday night.
Peary said the city wants to make sure that does not happen this summer.
While residents will be expected to keep their lawns dry, he city will continue to irrigate some of its sports fields.
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