It looks like spring has sprung and with that comes the 2011 watering season and we would like to take this time to remind our customers of the following water conservation measures. The irrigation season does not begin before April 15, and it ends on October 15. The use of sprinklers for all watering is prohibited before April 15 and after October 15. In addition there is no watering of lawns and gardens between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day this measure is always in affect on an annual basis. The irrigation district would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its customers who are using the water in the most efficient manner.
The new control system has been installed and was desperately needed to enable the irrigation district to effectively operate the pumping system. The control system was over 40 years old and we were no longer able to get any repair parts for it. We have rehabilitated another of our wells and replaced the pump with a new unit as the old one was beyond repair. This brings the total number of wells that we have done to four, however there are eleven more to be done. These items with the ever increasing costs including power that the irrigation district has to face will mean a seven percent increase in the water rates this year. The irrigation district fortunately was able to use some of its contingency reserve fund to offset the cost of these very necessary expenditures. The water rates are still the lowest in the area, if not in the province.
As previously reported the irrigation district has partnered with the Village of Keremeos to apply for a grant to assist in the construction of the proposed reservoir. If the grant is successful it will greatly reduce the cost of the project for all the users. The village will need to borrow the funds that are not covered by the grant and the village intends to take the issue of borrowing to a referendum to gain the necessary approval of the residents. If the grant is not successful the irrigation district will be holding a referendum to gain approval for the borrowing of the funds to construct the reservoir which is essential to providing a water service to meet the needs of this community.
Keremeos enjoys a very high quality of water and the K.I.D. endeavours to help ensure that this quality is retained so we ask that you do not create cross connections. These can be as simple as a hose in a bucket, but more importantly you must install the appropriate backflow preventer if you are using the water system to inject chemicals for any purpose. Please contact the district to determine which device is applicable and the requirements for installation and annual testing. Water service will be discontinued immediately for any property that is in violation. Please note that only nutrients are permitted to be injected. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the district office our hours are Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, or call 499-5651.
- KID press release