UPDATED
The Strathcona Regional District wants to inform northern Area D Water System customers about its Water-Wise Irrigation Workshop later this month.
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The workshop takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Oyster Bay Resorts Hall, 4357 South Island Hwy. Doors open at 6:30 to allow people to view irrigation equipment displays.
The workshop itself runs from 7 to 9 p.m. with a Q&A and more opportunity to view equipment displays to follow until 9:30 p.m.
Vancouver Island water demand can triple in summer due to over-watering irrigation practices. Even in 2018, when northern Area D residents maintained their summer water consumption at or below 2017 levels, demand was still three times than winter use. Ideally, the group says, it should be closer to two times.
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A certified irrigation professionals will lead the workshop to answer questions and give tips for increasing water efficiency. Participants will also receive a list of local Irrigation Industry Association of BC certified installers and schedulers.
This two-hour workshop will address a number of questions: SRD conservation measures and stage 2 restrictions that come into effect on July 1; irrigation types; micro and drip irrigation; timers that work on stage 1 and stage 2 restrictions; scheduling run times according to climate, soil and plant material; Area D poor soil issues and how to test your soil and adjust irrigation practices accordingly; identifying over-watering and problem solving your irrigation system; when to call a professional; irrigation options for when you are away at camp or on holidays; why rhododendrons wilt but are still OK; what to do about fir roots and grass; and ensuring every drop of irrigation water reaches your plants.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. To pre-register call 250-203-1820 or email Water@srd.ca.
(NOTE: This story has been updated from an earlier version that incorrectly identified this as a joint presentation of the SRD and the Area D Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (ADRRA). ADRRA had simply passed on the information from the SRD about the meeting to the newspaper. We’re sorry for the misunderstanding.)
