At most non-residential properties within the Osoyoos Irrigation District (OID), flow control devices (FCD) are installed to limit the amount of water that flows to the property in a certain period – such as a maximum level of gallons per minute. This is not done to limit the total amount of water provided to these properties. Rather, it just affects the rate at which water is provided. These FCDs balance water flows within the system to help prevent certain areas not receiving sufficient water because other areas are drawing too much. (Water supply rates to residential properties are controlled by using smaller dimension water supply pipes.)
It has come to the attention of the OID that certain non-residential properties may have taken steps to affect the water flow rate either by removing or damaging the FCDs. Such actions are prohibited under OID bylaws, which further identify the costs of repairing any such actions as being at the expense of the property owner.
In this context, the OID’s water bailiff will be inspecting the FCDs installed at various properties to ensure that they have not been tampered with. If such tampering is detected, the FCD will be replaced/reinstalled/repaired, as appropriate, at the property owner’s expense. Failure to make timely payment for such repairs will lead to water disconnection as well as additional costs for the disconnection and (presumably) eventual reconnection.
If you have any questions about this policy, or wish to advise us where tampering to FCDs may have occurred, please email us, or contact the Water Bailiff, Bill Stewart