The Town of Bay Roberts has announced enhanced water conservation measures, including the closure of the only operational car wash in the town.
And the ongoing issue with the water supply continues to hamper efforts to open the Bay Arena for the 2012-13 season.
Officials at the arena confirmed today (Sept. 18) that the water pressure is insufficient to operate the ice-making equipment, and it may be at least another week before on-ice activities can begin.
This, of course, depends on Mother Nature. Without any significant rainfall, officials say the water ban will remain in effect.
The arena was initially slated to open its doors this week.
“We ask everyone to pray we have rain very soon,” was one of the messages contained in a message distributed by Bay Arena Minor Hockey.
The town implemented water conservation measures in July, but those measures have now been tightened, and forbids any non-essential use.
This includes the operation of the commercial car wash, which is located on the Conception Bay Highway. Two other commercial car washes are also under construction, leaving many to wonder if the town’s water supply is capable of meeting the increased demand.
The ponds that supply the system are said to be the lowest in memory, with the gauge that monitors the depth at one pond now fully exposed.
It’s the result of an unusually dry summer, and there’s no real hope for rain in the immediate future, with clear skies forecasted for the rest of the week.
Mayor Philip Wood is out of the country and could not be reached for comment. Nigel Black, chief administrative officer, was also unavailable for comment.
The following is a list of activities that are now prohibited for the duration of the water ban:
• no watering of lawns and gardens by sprinkler or open hose;
• no washing of vehicles, including commercial car washes;
• washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots or driveways;
• filling of swimming pools;
• any other use determined to be non-essential and wasting water.
Further updates will be provided as they become available at www.cbncompass.ca
