(UPDATE: July 31 @ 10:30 a.m.) – It's good news times two for Falcon Ridge water system customers.

Not only has a long standing water quality advisory been lifted, but the water system is also back to a twice weekly stage two outdoor irrigation schedule.

“We thank all customers for their patience and understanding," said Bruce Smith from the RDCO.

"The reduction in water demand over the past week has allowed our crews to fill both the main reservoir and the new reservoir cell that’s part of the overall $900,000 system upgrade.”

That means customers with even number addresses may irrigate outdoors on Saturday and Tuesday while those with odd addresses may only water outside on Sunday and Wednesday.

(Original story: July 18 @ 11:30 a.m.) – The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) has moved the Falcon Ridge water system to stage four outdoor water restrictions.

As a result, outdoor irrigation is banned for all 55 properties off Hwy 33 south that are served by the community water system.

“Unfortunately we’ve had to ban all outdoor irrigation with stage four restrictions as our earlier request for residents to voluntarily restrict their water usage has not been followed,” says Bruce Smith, communications officer for the RDCO.  

“In fact, water use has actually increased to the point that not only have we not been able to fill the new reservoir cell, but the existing reservoir is also not being replenished as it would normally as residents continue to draw it down.”

The RDCO is also asking residents to minimize their indoor water usage as they try to adequately refill the system reservoir and full the new one.

Stage four restrictions will remain in place until both reservoirs are properly filled and failing to adhere to the ban could result in a fine of $300.