Starting tomorrow (May 1), the regional government of Metro Vancouver will implement the first phase of water restrictions. According to Metro Vancouver's website, the timing of the first phase of water restrictions varies depending on residential and commercial properties.
There are three water conservation areas in Metro Vancouver: Capilano Watershed, Seymour Watershed, and Coquitlam Watershed. The three reservoir water conservation areas cover a total area of approximately 585 square kilometres and provide water to 2.4 million people in Metro Vancouver.
All regions of Metro Vancouver are complying with Metro Vancouver's water conservation arrangements as part of the Metro Vancouver Drinking Water Conservation Plan (2021). This article focuses on the latest news from the cities of Vancouver and Richmond.
Starting Wednesday, homes and businesses are limited to one day of lawn watering per week until Oct. 15. Edible plants are not subject to the prescribed restrictions.
Watering of residential lawns is permitted in the first phase
Even address: Saturday
Odd address: Sundays
Automatic watering: 5:00 am - 7:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am - 9:00 am
Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on any given day if using a sprinkler, or at any time if manual or drip irrigation is used. All water pipes must be equipped with automatic shut-offs.
Watering of non-residential lawns is permitted in the first phase
Even address: Monday
Odd address: Tuesday
Automatic watering: 4:00 am - 6:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am - 9:00 am
Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on any given day if using a sprinkler, or at any time if manual or drip irrigation is used. All water pipes must be equipped with automatic shut-offs.
The water situation of the Greater Vancouver Reservoir
The City of Vancouver noted that while the reservoir is currently full, Metro Vancouver could face water shortages later this year.
The City of Vancouver said in a media release that snow cover in early April was only 56 percent of the historical average. In addition, the weather forecast predicts a prolonged period of little rain and high temperatures in the spring and summer of this year, reducing the chance of melting snow to replenish the reservoir. The City of Vancouver also notes on its website that Metro Vancouver's drinking water use increased by 50 percent during the summer months. Most of this increase is attributed to the watering of the lawn.
The city noted that the brown lawn may just be dormant and not dead, and there is no need to rush to water it.
Metro Vancouver Regional Authority reminds residents that they will be fined $250 if they do not follow the rules set by the entire district to conserve drinking water.
Richmond's Water Conservation Arrangements and Exemptions
Richmond's Phase 1 water restriction applies only to the use of treated drinking water/tap water. The restrictions do not apply to rainwater, grey water (wastewater from bathtubs, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances), recycled water of any kind, or other water sources that are not part of the municipal water supply.
According to the City of Richmond, residents have the highest demand for water in the evenings when preparing dinner, washing dishes, doing laundry and showering, and watering restrictions are a reminder to reduce non-priority water use, such as car wash water. And early morning watering can help reduce peak demand on the water system.
According to the city, the first phase of watering restrictions could delay or avoid stricter, more restrictive water demand later.
In addition, if drought conditions persist into the summer, the City of Richmond may impose restrictions beyond Phase 1.
Exemptions are allowed for owners who are dealing with a Chafer beetle infestation or who are installing a new lawn. Waiver requests can be submitted to [email protected]. Of course, there is a fee to process the application, and a copy of the receipt/invoice for the attached pest or new lawn must be submitted.