Summerland’s reservoirs have not yet stopped spilling but the municipality has already implemented Stage 2 water restrictions.

The restrictions took effect on Thursday morning because of concerns from the low snow pack in winter and the low runoff levels.

Don Darling, director of engineering and public works for the municipality, said the water levels are likely sufficient for this year, but if the reservoirs drain down too far, they might not fill next year.

“It’s smart to react early rather than when it’s too late,” he said.

In a normal year, when the reservoirs are full, the community is under Stage 1 restrictions which allow residential lawn and garden watering three times a week.

Stage 2 restrictions limit watering to twice a week.

Those with odd-numbered addresses may water on Saturdays and Tuesdays before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Those with even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays and Thursdays before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Last winter was much drier than normal and Darling said predictions are calling for a long, hot and dry summer.

The municipality has a chart in place which states when various watering restrictions are to be implemented.

There are a total of five watering restrictions.

Stage 3 limits watering to once a week while Stage 4 and 5 prohibit lawn watering altogether.

In addition to the Stage 2 restrictions, the municipality is also addressing agricultural watering practices.

Darling said 19 agricultural users have been identified as using excess water last year. They will be asked to amend their irrigation practices or face fines. In extreme cases, their water could be shut off.

The 19 agricultural users were 272 million litres higher than allotted.

This works out to 1.8 million bathtubs full of water, or enough to fill a row of bathtubs stretching 2,720 kilometres — more than enough to stretch from Victoria to Winnipeg.

Darling expects domestic and agricultural users to comply with the restrictions since the community was supportive during the last drought.

“We had very good co-operation from Summerlanders when we asked them to use water responsibly in the drought of 2003 and we know they will support our conservation initiatives again this year,” added Mayor Janice Perrino.