North Okanagan lifts water restrictions

Vernon-area residents will be able to fill their pools and spas and water their lawns once again, after the North Okanagan Regional District decided to liftits controversial water restrictions.

Because of the widespread public outcry over the restrictions, which were introduced last week, district officials say theywill take a closer look at activities limited by the ban and re-evaluate the restrictions.

Pool owners and golf course operators were among many groups who spoke against the restrictions, which were unprecedented so early in the year.

Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert said the water reservoir levels are still extremely low, but rain over the past week has improved things somewhat.

As a result, Stage 3 water restrictions, which apply to watering lawns and filling pools and hot tubs, will be set aside for two weeks, he said.

"We had a concern about our water system," Lippert said. "Did we jump the gun on it? Yes, possibly. But at the same time it's gotten a heightened awareness that we do live in an area where we need to be conscientious of water."

The low water levels have been blamed on the low snow levels in the mountains across much of B.C.