No Matter Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Hail, Metro-Vancouver Water Restrictions Begin May 1

From: Gillian White [mailto:Gillian.White@metrovancouver.org] 
Sent: March 27, 2024 3:14 PM
Subject: Drinking Water Conservation Plan – Annual Watering Restrictions Begin May 1
This email was sent on behalf of Vanessa Anthony

Stage 1 watering restrictions will be in effect from May 1 until October 15, 2024, during which lawn watering is only permitted one morning per week. These restrictions are outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan.

The last three years — with the heat dome in 2021, the very warm and dry fall of 2022, and province-wide drought in 2023 — highlighted the reality of climate change impacts. We will continue to face weather events that will stress the region’s water supply system. 

2024 Water Supply Update and Conservation
Snowpack levels for this time of year are low because of the mild winter. Additionally, weather forecasts for this spring and summer anticipate prolonged periods with little or no rain and above-average temperatures. This may cause the snowpack to begin melting early in the season. We rely on the snowpack during the warm, dry months to replenish the water in our source reservoirs and are proactively preparing for a challenging season by adjusting our summer operations earlier than usual. Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor snow levels and weather patterns over the next few months in advance of the high demand season. Despite these challenges, Metro Vancouver typically has adequate water supply through the summer for where it is needed most: drinking, cooking, and cleaning. 

It is important that we all continue to take measures to conserve our water supply. Without strong adherence to Stage 1 watering restrictions, there is a chance that we may need to ban lawn watering like last year. 

We urge you to encourage your customers to adhere to Stage 1 watering restrictions and to promote sustainable lawn care and landscaping practices to prepare for this upcoming season. We also encourage you to schedule new lawn and landscape installations earlier in the spring before the warm, dry weather period. This will ensure lawns and plants are established and are not stressed by weather conditions and would help you avoid the time of year when potentially a lawn watering ban or Stage 2 could be activated.

Watering Restrictions Under Stage 1
Residential:
• Watering lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays:
  o Automatic watering – from 5:00 am to 7:00 am
  o Manual watering – from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
• Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers, excluding edible plants
  o Any day from 5:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler
  o Any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation

Non-residential:
• Watering lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Mondays and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
  o Automatic watering – from 4:00 am to 6:00 am
  o Manual watering – from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
• Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers, excluding edible plants
  o Any day 4:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler
  o Any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation

In cases of mixed zoning (where commercial or industrial uses are on the same property as residential) the property is designated as “Non-Residential.”

Watering soil-based and sand-based playing fields are permitted as follows:
• Overnight from 7:00 pm to 9:00 am, except if:
  o Watering newly over-seeded fields in compliance with a member jurisdiction permit
  o Operating under a member jurisdiction’s approved water management plan

Learn more about Metro Vancouver’ water conservation resources
• Information on the stages of watering restrictions and resources for waterwise lawn care and waterwise gardening: https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/lawn-watering-regulations 
• Water conservation educational resources: www.metrovancouver.org/welovewater 
• Tips on eco-friendly lawns and gardens: www.growgreenguide.ca

If you have any questions regarding Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan, please contact Elizabeth Kee at 778-452-2612 or at Elizabeth.kee@metrovancouver.org

Sincerely,

Vanessa Anthony (She/her/hers)
Acting Director, Policy Planning & Analysis
Water Services
c. 604-788-1065