Water + Restrictions

Groundwater Levels

UPDATE APRIL 2025

The Province of BC, Merritt included, has been experiencing low groundwater levels for two years. So far in 2025, the region is experiencing a lower than average snowpack, currently at 80% of normal (April 2025). As expected, groundwater levels are also suffering.

While groundwater levels in 2025 are better than 2024 levels, the City will continue to promote water conservation, as mandated by the Province of BC.

Also view Water Situation in Merritt below >>

Level 3 Watering Restrictions Year Round

(until otherwise notified)

The City of Merritt’s current water management plan is to maintain LEVEL 3 WATERING RESTRICTIONS YEAR-ROUND as part of an effort to reduce the likelihood of highly restrictive levels 4 and 5 during drought season. This enables residents to keep their lawns green during fire season and protects fish habitats in the Coldwater River, which drains into the City’s shallow aquifers.

View detailed restrictions below >>

Water Situation in Merritt

WATER LICENCE: The City of Merritt has enough room in its provincial water licence to accommodate future growth, currently only utilizing about 75% of what the City is allowed to consume.

PLENTY OF WATER: The City has abundant water in its shallow and deep aquifers. The current well system is capable of fulfilling all the needs of the municipality year-round, even without the addition of the Kengard Well, from which the City only draws 2% of its capacity. With projected improvements to the well system, the City will have plenty of water for future growth.

FISH HABITATS: At present, the City relies heavily on our shallow aquifers which are replenished by the losing-reach Coldwater River. In the summer months, this puts a strain on fish habitats. Once the Kengard Well treatment facility is installed, the environmental impact on fish habitats will be lessened.

WELL IMPROVEMENTS: The City can increase its water capacity by installing a treatment facility on the Kengard Well. The Kengard well is a deep water well, full of good water. However, it has a higher than permissible level of manganese. While manganese is an essential element for our bodies, there is a limit to how much humans should consume. Plans are in the works to install a treatment facility on this deep well.

DROUGHT: The City of Merritt, like the rest of the province, has been suffering from low groundwater, particularly in the last two years. We can protect our groundwater, and lessen our impact on our aquifers and fish habitats, by practicing water conservation year-round. Level three watering restrictions year-round balance out the need for severe watering restrictions during drought season and enable residents to keep their grass green and fire resistant.

WATER RESTRICTIONS: Watering Restrictions are a preventive water conservation measure and are not related to real-time water capacity. Even when the new Kengard Well is in full operation and the City has ample water supply, the City will continue to promote watering restrictions, similar to the rest of the province and neighbouring communities outside its municipal boundaries.

WATER METERS: Water meters are not related to water supply or watering restrictions. Water meters simply identify where water is being used and by how much. The installation of water meters in every household is now law. Information provided by the new water meters will help make utility bills more equitable, help the City identify leaks, discourage abuse, and encourage water conservation. Learn more about Water Meters.

Water Conservation

According to the Province of BC, British Columbia continues to get less rain and snow than usual and that’s having a lasting impact on water levels. The province as a whole experienced severe drought the last two years and remains at risk this year.

All BC Municipalities must follow guidelines set by the Province of BC, as per the Water Sustainabilities Act, and promote water conservation. While municipal watering restrictions are a proven water conservation measure, residents are encouraged to seek additional water conservation methods, like choosing drought-tolerant and perennial plants.

Try some of the following water conservation measures:

Collect rainwater. Consider purchasing a rain barrel.
Use an auto shut-off valve when washing outdoors and try to direct run-off onto permeable surfaces like lawns or gravel.
Let lawns go brown and dormant in the summer. If you wish to keep your lawn green, you only need to water for about 30 minutes twice a week, which fits with current Level 3 watering restrictions.
Consider replacing lawns and ornamental gardens with drought-tolerant plants. Learn about Xeriscaping.
Try to avoid new plantings in the heat of the summer. Instead plant in the spring or fall only.
Take shorter showers and avoid baths.
Avoid letting the water run when brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
Save grey water for watering plants.

XERISCAPING

Level 3 Watering Restrictions

Level Three Watering restrictions limit lawn watering to 2 TIMES a week. Hand watering or drip-irrigating gardens (not lawns) and washing with an auto shut-off valve is permitted anytime.

Watering Days

Even Numbered Addresses: Thursday & Sunday
Odd Numbered Addresses: Tuesday & Saturday
Please note: Strata complexes and mobile home parks should water according to unit number.

Watering Hours

Manual Sprinkler: 6 am – 8 am | OR | 7 pm – 9 pm
Automated Irrigation: 12 am – 2am

Other Water Usage

Washing & Hand Watering: Hand watering of plants (excluding lawns), washing vehicles, or power washing with a user-controlled flow nozzle with shut-off valve is permitted at ANYTIME during Level 3 Watering Restrictions. The City recommends that residents wash vehicles over grass or gravel when possible so that run off water drains into the earth instead of down the drains.

Drip Irrigation: Watering of gardens, such as vegetable gardens, with a drip irrigation system is permitted at anytime. To limit water dissipation in the heat of the day, the City recommends scheduling all watering for the early morning or late evenings.
Pools, Spas, & Ponds: At this time, residents may only top up swimming pools, spas, or ponds.

VIEW OUTDOOR WATER CONVERSATION POLICY

Enforcement

The City of Merritt prefers voluntary compliance. Those who contravene the Bylaw will be sent a warning letter explaining the infraction. The focus will be on education and not enforcement. Those who refuse to comply may be subject to having their water service suspended.