Tofino’s usually popular summer sun has worn out its welcome as dry conditions have prompted the district to activate Stage 2 Water Restrictions.
“We just haven’t had the rain that we normally have,” Mayor Dan Law told the Westerly News. “If we don’t get rain, then of course we’ll have to take more measures, but the whole point of the restrictions is to ensure that we have enough water for not only residential and commercial use, but enough water for emergency use, such as fires.”
The restrictions took effect on Oct. 19 and stipulate that residents with odd numbered civic addresses may only water their lawns and gardens on Monday and Thursday between 6-9 a.m. and 7 -10 p.m.. Residents with even numbered civic addresses may water on Tuesday and Friday between the hours of 6-9 AM and 7-10 PM.
All outdooring watering must be limited to a hand-held canister or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off mechanism.
Filling or refilling of hot tubs is prohibited.
Law said district staff monitor the water levels at the Ahkmasis Reservoir daily and that the restrictions were put in place as a precautionary measure.
“This is a precautionary measure due to the remarkably low or absent rainfall. It’s across the province, certainly some communities have already declared a state of local emergency. We’re nowhere near there. This is just out of an abundance of caution for Tofino,” he said.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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