UNITY — It seems like all the snow we had this winter has made no difference in the community watering instructions that our towns have seen over the past several years. Watering restrictions are put in place to ensure ample supply of water for emergency needs and for the day-to-day living of residents.
Wilkie was the first to post their water conservation policy, putting a notice on social media May 2.
Wilkie’s release states, that the watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to Sept. 30 each year as per the Water and Sewer Management Bylaw.
“For the period May 1st to Sept. 30 residents are not allowed to water from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” says Lana Gerein, administrator for the Town of Wilkie.
“This time is the hottest time of the day, so we want to discourage watering at that time. There are fines of $50 for the first offence, $100 for the second offence and $200 for the third offence and for each offence thereafter.
“… we will first send a warning letter, so the resident is informed of what the restrictions are. The residents here are very respectful of following these restrictions and we have not fined anyone that I can recall.”
Unity decrees no watering Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday.
“This typically allows for the water treatment plant to keep up with usage,” says Mayor Sharon Del Frari.
“We will start with the same restrictions as last year. If our summer is very dry, we may have to look at further restrictions. Residents have been understanding and we have not had to levy any fines.”
This includes no open fires of any kind in Unity town limits, also including propane or natural gas pits.
Fire bans have been issued since the end of April. Unity is surrounded by bans in the RMs of Senlac, Tramping Lake, Buffalo, Round Valley and Grass Lake. As of May 6, Unity Fire Department and the mayor advised residents there are no open fires of any kid in town limits, which also includes propane or natural gas pits. WDFD announced a fire ban in the RMs of Tramping Lake, Buffalo and Reford.
As of May 7, the Saskatchewan Spatial Fire Management System map showed a majority of the province in high or extreme fire hazard index. Only spotty rain was forecast for the week of May 8 to 12.
