The call is out for residents to conserving water to ensure consistent supplies are available for the ongoing wildfire suppression effort in Newfoundland and Labrador. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentAs firefighters continue to try to knock down wildfires raging on the Avalon Peninsula, there are calls for residents to do their part by exercising water conservation measures.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn Holyrood, where a 22-hectare wildfire has forced the evacuation of some areas, one of the tasks firefighters have had to do is turn off sprinkler systems property owners had left running with the hope of preventing their properties from igniting.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“We have been made aware that some homeowners have turned on sprinkler systems before they evacuated and this is hindering operations of fire suppression,” the town noted in a wildfire situation update on Tuesday, Aug. 5. “The town is therefore turning these sprinkler systems off to ensure safety of all residents.”Article contentHolyrood first implemented a water conservation plan on July 25 and is asking all residents to abide by that plan, including ensuring sprinkler systems are turned off.Article contentIn Holyrood, the watering of existing lawns with a sprinkler system was restricted to two days per week, between 5-8 a.m., with even civic address numbers permitted to water lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays and odd civic address numbers on Thursdays and Sundays.Article contentNew lawns and landscaping were exempt from the lawn watering restrictions for a period of 60 days following installation and plantation, though watering was designated between 5-8 a.m. Hydro-seeded new lawns were exempt for a similar period of 60 days and can also be watered for 20-30 minutes between 7-8 p.m.Article contentArticle contentHand-watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens with a water can or hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle is permitted at any time.Article contentArticle contentAnyone with an in-ground or above-ground pool and plans to fill it with town water is required to contact the town office for a permit. Staff will coordinate appropriate times to avail of the municipal supply. These times will be later in the evening and throughout the night.Article contentSome frequently asked questions, as answered by the Town of Holyrood:Article contentCan children use water toys – i.e. waterslides, slip-n-slides, water sprinklers? Yes, but water should not be left running when children are not using these toys.Article contentCan I wash my car? Yes. Residential washing of cars is permitted with the use of a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
Waste not, want not: NL communities urging water conservation as wildfires continue
