Bay Roberts issues water conservation order

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts council has adopted a water conservation policy. Properties with even civic numbers will conserve water from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while those with odd civic numbers will have to conserve water during the same times on Thursdays and Sundays.

The motion to adopt the policy was made by Councillor Perry Bowering and seconded by Councillor Dean Franey at the Town’s public council meeting earlier this month.

The Town’s director of protective services, Gregory Squires, said the policy is due to a low water supply. But, he added, it shouldn’t greatly affect residents. Citizens are still allowed to wash their vehicles, water plants, and so on, but are not allowed to have water sources, such as sprinklers, active at all times.
Chief Administrative Officer Dave Tibbo noted the policy is comprised of the water usage rules that are in place in the town from June 1 to October 1 every year. Anything stricter would be considered a water ban. Tibbo encouraged residents to read the policy to ensure they know what is permitted.
Franey pointed out that, during the last two winters, the area has had less snow than usual.

“Most of the water that we run through in the summer comes from the snow we get and the runoff from that, and we’re not getting the runoff,” he explained.
Franey said the amount of rain they have received has also not been enough to replenish the supply.

“Towns everywhere are starting to put these in place,” said Franey. “If you travel the highways a lot, you’ll notice a lot of ponds are starting to drop early in the year.”
Mayor Geoffrey Seymour agreed there has been little spring melt and less summer rain, hindering the water supply. He described the policy as a proactive step towards dealing with the issue. All councillors voted in favour of the motion to adopt the water conservation policy.