REGINA – Despite urging resident to conserve water, the city has only seen a modest reduction in use and it appears not all resident are doing their part to cut back.
Officials are asking residents to cut water use by 25 per cent and say it’s especially important heading into the weekend.
The restriction includes not watering lawns, reducing toilet flushing and running full loads of dishes and laundry.
The city is doing its part: Until the issue is resolved outdoor pools sit empty, spray pads stay off and even street sweeping is on hold.
However despite the efforts, usage rates have only improved modestly.
One reason is that for an already short gardening season, timing isn’t ideal.
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“We go through a lot of water in a day,” explained Brad Crassweller with Cedar Creek Gardens & Outdoor Expressions Landscapping. “We try and do our best but if you try and leave your (flower) basket out in the sun and wind you won’t have a basket for long.”
According to Crassweller, this is one the busiest times of the year at his business, with clients starting to pour in.
He adds that for residents who just laid fresh sod, no water is out of the question.
“It’s a tough balance right now to have people buy all their stuff, spend all that money and then say ‘don’t water as much’ because it’s imperative that it gets enough water.”
Some residents have taken their frustrations to social media.
City officials don’t have plans for mandatory water rationing but say if they don’t see usage rates improve soon, they could be forced to consider the option.
Officials from the Water Security Agency are expected to provide details on the support they’ll be offering to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Friday morning.
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