With the introduction of the water conservation bylaw by Weyburn City Council Monday night, many questions concerning the application are being asked by residents. While the restrictions in place for watering lawns and gardens is understood, many were wondering about the recreational use of water, which wasn’t specifically outlined in the bylaw. Additionally, there was nothing concerning businesses which rely on the use of water, such as car washes, and how they may be impacted.

Matthew Warren is the interim city manager. He explained the recreational use of water for things such as paddling pools in backyards will be permitted, with reason.

“One thing that we do have to watch out for is the timespan that people are doing that,” Warren said. “So, if you do have a recreational pool, a kiddie pool, a paddling pool, in your backyard, just to fill it up, not have it filled up multiple times in a day.”

As for car washes, the intent of the bylaw isn’t to hamper any commercial enterprises in the city such as a car wash. While there are no restrictions included at this time, Warren added they will be monitoring the situation, and changes could be coming, as the bylaw allows further restrictions to be added or removed without the bylaw necessarily having to go back to council.

The spray parks in the city will also be impacted by the need to conserve water. Warren said the hours won’t be the same as they have been in the past when they operated from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“We actually made the decision to have restrictions to be open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.”

The message is being spread via media, as well as through notices included with monthly water bills.

Warren added the two outdoor pools, the one by the leisure centre, and the Don Mitchell Paddling Pool, will both be open this summer, as they use minimal water once filled. The pool at the leisure centre is expected to open the first week of June, and the paddling pool the second week of June.