Watering Restrictions

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 or Unit Number:  Thursday &  Sunday
• Odd Numbered Addresses or Unit Number:  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

Enforcement

The City of Merritt prefers voluntary compliance. Those who contravene the bylaw will receive a warning letter explaining the infraction. The focus will be on education rather than enforcement. Those who refuse to comply may have their water service suspended.

Water Conservation

All BC municipalities must follow guidelines set by the Province of BC, as per the
Water Sustainability 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 aligns with 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.

Learn more about our water system at merritt.ca/watersystem.