The City of Merritt will be lifting all watering restrictions on Oct. 1, in accordance with their annual watering restrictions policy, which outlines restrictions effective each year from May 1 to Sept. 30.

On Sept. 21, all lawn watering and vehicle washing was prohibited within the city due to drought conditions. While restrictions are now being lifted as we enter the fall and experience cooler, wetter conditions, residents are still encouraged to conserve water as the Coldwater River watershed has faced extreme drought conditions this year.

“We know how inconvenient the restrictions were for residents, and we want to thank everyone for their restraint with water over the last couple of weeks, when use was limited to watering gardens only,” said Mayor Linda Brown.

“The Coldwater river is still challenged, but as we move into fall the lower temperatures and increased rain dramatically reduces the stress on the river, and the water levels are far higher than they were in August and September. We normally lift our restrictions at the start of October, and we’re pleased we’re able to do that again this year,” continued Mayor Brown.

“We live in a dry area, and every year we’re challenged to be responsible with our use of water. At the City we’re looking at ways to improve our resiliency and to better understand the ways the local aquifers and rivers interact so that we can make this as painless as possible for local residents. I want to thank everyone again for their efforts.”