Metro Vancouver launched its Stage 1 lawn watering restrictions this week to help conserve drinking water during the driest part of the year.
Restrictions will be in place from May 15 to Oct. 15.
Under the restrictions, lawns may only be watered on certain mornings. This is to reduce the load on the system during evening hours when demand is highest for domestic uses such as dishwashing, laundry and showers.
“Water demand always goes up in the summer, which is also when we get the least rain,” said Darrell Mussatto, chair of Metro Vancouver’s utilities committee. “Reducing lawn watering has consistently proven to be an effective way to conserve water and lessen the strain on the region’s water transmission system.”
Residential lawn watering is permitted at the following times:
* Even-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 4 to 9 a.m.
* Odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 4 to 9 a.m.
Lawn watering restrictions are part of Metro Vancouver’s Water Shortage Response Plan, which regulates how residents, businesses and local governments use drinking water in the summer months or during periods of water shortages. The plan also addresses other water use activities such as car and power washing.
After the hot, dry summer of 2015, Metro Vancouver began a thorough review of its plan, and proposed changes are currently being considered for the spring of 2018.
Metro Vancouver’s population continues to grow by more than 35,000 people every year. As population rises, continued per capita rate declines can potentially defer the need to expand the drinking water supply and infrastructure.
“A wet spring and a snowy winter isn’t an excuse to waste our drinking water in Metro Vancouver,” said Mussatto. “These regulations are in place to help residents develop long-term habits for drier years.”
Local governments enforce lawn watering restrictions through bylaws.
To help people maintain a healthy lawn while conserving water, Metro Vancouver has released a Waterwise Lawn Care Guide, which is available online and as a brochure. Search “Lawn Care” on www.metrovancouver.org.
