Cranbrook Enforces Urgent Stage 3 Water Restrictions Starting Oct. 4

URGENT UPDATE: Effective October 4, the City of Cranbrook has implemented mandatory Stage 3 watering restrictions due to severe water shortages. Residents are now required to limit outdoor water use to just one day per week, with immediate compliance necessary.

Under these new restrictions, even-numbered addresses may only water on Thursdays, while odd-numbered addresses can irrigate on Tuesdays. Watering is permitted only during the hours of 6 to 8 a.m. or 8 to 10 p.m. – but not both! Manual sprinklers are banned entirely, leaving residents with the option to use hoses equipped with a shut-off nozzle or in-ground irrigation systems.

“We’re currently seeing approximately 1,000 imperial gallons of water per minute being utilized for lawn irrigation as we transition into fall,” stated Jason Perrault, Deputy Director of Public Works. “We are effectively draining our drinking water reservoir to maintain dormant grass and shrubs.”

The restrictions extend beyond lawn care. All outdoor water use is suspended, with specific prohibitions including:
– No washing of sidewalks, driveways, or vehicles
– No filling of pools, hot tubs, or fountains
– No watering of new sod or seed is allowed, with no exemptions issued

Residents can still tend to their vegetable gardens and edible plants, but they must utilize the same hose and nozzle requirements. This drastic measure aims to conserve water as the city grapples with dwindling resources.

The city’s public works crews are actively blowing out all irrigation systems, urging residents with in-ground systems to follow suit. “Now is the perfect time for residents to prepare their systems for the upcoming winter months,” Perrault emphasized.

As the city continues to monitor the water supply situation closely, officials will provide updates on any changes to these restrictions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about water conservation techniques and related guidelines.

This is a critical moment for Cranbrook as officials seek to balance community needs while ensuring sustainable water use. Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue.