METRO Vancouver is introducing enhanced seasonal lawn watering regulations for homes and businesses in order to better conserve the region’s drinking water during the hot, dry summer months.
“Last summer, our region experienced a record-breaking heatwave that resulted in unprecedented and sustained high water use. This challenging event, during which we were confronted with the urgency of the climate emergency, highlighted the need to further reduce consumption of water for cosmetic outdoor uses through the whole summer, so we can get through the dry spells without requiring a switch mid-season to Stage 2 restrictions,” said Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors, on Monday.
New this year, residents and businesses will be permitted to water lawns one morning per week during Stage 1 of the Drinking Water Conservation Plan, with designated days determined by property address and type. Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered in the morning when using a sprinkler, or any time when hand watered or using drip irrigation. Edible plants are exempt from the regulations.
Lawn watering regulations will be in place May 1 until October 15. Anyone with automatic watering systems is encouraged to adjust them by May 1.
If there is a need to move to Stage 2 during the summer, lawn watering will not be permitted at all for residential and non-residential properties.
“Water conservation is not just about water shortages — good conservation habits are an important part of how we continue to meet our region’s water needs, now and into the future,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “For instance, just one hour of rain or watering per week is all a lawn needs to remain healthy.”
Metro Vancouver’s water supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt in three mountain water supply areas that fill the Capilano, Seymour, and Coquitlam reservoirs.
Lawn watering regulations have consistently reduced outdoor water use during the summer. Lowering demand for treated drinking water through conservation can defer the need to expand drinking water supply and infrastructure in the face of climate change impacts and continued population growth.
Stage 1 residential lawn watering allowed:
* Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
* Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
* Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.
Stage 1 non-residential lawn watering allowed:
* Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
* Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
* Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.
These restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal water supply system. Member jurisdictions enforce lawn watering regulations through local bylaw restrictions.
Metro Vancouver collaborates with member jurisdictions to plan for and deliver drinking water services to 2.7 million residents and businesses using a system of water supply areas, dams, treatment facilities, reservoirs, pump stations, and water mains. Upgrades are regularly made to the system to maintain the regional district’s ability to reliably provide clean, safe drinking water.
Find tips and tricks for indoor and outdoor water conservation at welovewater.ca.
