Water Restrictions

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Water Restrictions

Water conservation efforts help protect and maintain the long-term reliability of OKIB’s water systems. The Water Department monitors water usage and begins conservation efforts when usage reaches approximately 1,000 m³ (1,000,000 litres) per day and well pumps are operating for more than 12 hours per day.

Reducing water usage allows well pumps more time to rest, helping extend their lifespan and supporting the natural recharge of underground aquifers.

Water restrictions may be introduced to help maintain sufficient water supplies and protect the community’s water systems.

Restrictions may be needed when: 

  • Water demand exceeds normal seasonal levels.  
  • Drought conditions affect available water supplies.  
  • Reservoir levels fall below target levels.  
  • Equipment failures reduce system capacity.  
  • Emergency situations require additional conservation measures.

Water Restriction Stages

Community members are encouraged to practice responsible water use by: 

  • Watering lawns and gardens only during permitted hours.  
  • Avoiding unnecessary water waste.  
  • Checking irrigation systems for leaks.  
  • Using water-efficient watering practices.  

During Stage 2 restrictions: 

  • Odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.  
  • Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays and Sundays only.  
  • No outdoor watering is permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  
  • Automatic irrigation systems may operate between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on designated watering days.  
  • Manual sprinklers may be used between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. on designated watering days.  
  • Hand watering is permitted outside daytime restrictions.

Along with Stages 1 and 2, additional restrictions may include: 

  • Reduced or prohibited lawn watering.  
  • Shortened irrigation schedules.  
  • Restrictions on filling pools.  
  • Additional limits on non-essential outdoor water use. 

Restrictions may include: 

  • No lawn watering.  
  • No irrigation except for essential food production.  
  • No filling pools, ponds, or water features.  
  • Strict limits on non-essential water use.