Metro Vancouver to implement Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1
Indo-Canadian Voice Metro Vancouver to implement Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1 posted by: Rattan MallMETRO Vancouver will implement Stage 2 water restrictions — which prohibit all lawn watering — starting on May 1 to conserve water due to a low snowpack, a forecasted drought, and to maintain water pressure during critical infrastructure upgrades. The snowpack in the water supply areas is well below normal, averaging around 50 per cent […] The post Metro Vancouver to implement Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1 first appeared on Indo-Canadian Voice.Indo-Canadian Voice
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METRO Vancouver will implement Stage 2 water restrictions — which prohibit all lawn watering — starting on May 1 to conserve water due to a low snowpack, a forecasted drought, and to maintain water pressure during critical infrastructure upgrades.
The snowpack in the water supply areas is well below normal, averaging around 50 per cent of the historical average, and considerably lower than last year. Although reservoirs are currently at typical levels, snowmelt helps keep reservoirs fuller longer. Forecasters are predicting a drought this summer, which means less rainwater refill reservoirs through to the fall, and warning water suppliers to prepare.
In the summer, daily water use in Metro Vancouver can increase by more than 50 per cent, largely due to lawn watering. Metro Vancouver has one of the highest per-capita water consumption rates in Canada, meaning there is more work to do on conservation — and this year it’s more important than ever.
Following watering restrictions will also support Metro Vancouver’s work to construct the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a project that will help ensure a resilient water supply for future generations. The First Narrows Crossing, one of the system’s key supply pipes from the Capilano and Seymour reservoirs, has been out of service since last fall to allow for work to take place on the Stanley Park project. While the system is well equipped to supply the region for where it’s needed most, if too much water is used during the summer for non-essential purposes, then it could affect water pressure. Reduced water pressure could affect first responders’ ability to use water for emergencies.
Under Stage 2:
- All lawn watering is prohibited
- Aesthetic water features, such as fountains, cannot be filled or topped up
- Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in limited circumstances
- Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered by hand or using soaker hoses or drip irrigation at any time, or by using a sprinkler between 5 and 9 a.m. any day
- Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time
Non-residential properties are subject to similar restrictions on lawn and garden watering, as well as filling and topping up aesthetic water features and washing impermeable surfaces. Watering at golf courses and sports fields is reduced, but they can still water to protect these private and public assets — many use supplemental water sources or are operating under an approved member jurisdiction water management plan. Water play parks may not operate unless they have user-activated switches.
These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system. Cities enforce watering restrictions through local bylaws.
It’s anticipated that restrictions will be tightened in early June, when water use typically ramps up further.
Weather, snowpack, water demand, and reservoir level information will be published on Metro Vancouver’s website weekly starting May 6. Find full restriction details at itsalldrinkingwater.ca.
Metro Vancouver ensures more than three million residents receive high-quality drinking water every day. Working with member jurisdictions, Metro Vancouver manages a regional system of protected water supply areas, dams, treatment facilities, reservoirs, pump stations, and water mains to keep drinking water flowing reliably throughout the region.
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