Conservation efforts hit high water mark

Wellington North residents hit a high water mark in July by saving millions of gallons of water during a two-week water ban.

Council imposed the water ban in July due to drought conditions and residents in Arthur and Mount Forest combined managed to conserve 2.3 million gallons.

“It amazed me that we could conserve while we watched the grass and flowers whither, Councillor Sherri Burke, chair of the water and sewer committee, told council at its Sept. 24 meeting. “Two-and-a-half million gallons equates to three days of pumping.”

Mayor Ray Tout said during the ban, water pumps were running “24-7” to keep capacity up.

“It’s astounding how you can conserve 2.3 million gallons,” the mayor said. “For the ones who pitched in and didn’t water it was quite an accomplishment.”

Council commended residents for their efforts during the ban.

Tout said the conservation efforts meant the communities had ample water to deal with potential fire situations that would have severely impacted water stocks depending on the extent of a fire.