Stage 1 lawn sprinkling regulations will come into effect across the region on Wednesday (May 1) as part of Metro Vancouver's effort to conserve water over the summer months.
Under the rules, residents can water their lawn two mornings per week, while watering trees, shrubs and flowers is limited to mornings only when using a sprinkler. According to a press release from Metro Vancouver, a lawn only needs one hour of rain or watering a week to remain healthy.
"Lawn watering regulations have resulted in significant reductions in peak summer water demand and we encourage people to continue respecting these seasonal regulations, especially as we experience hotter and drier summers," said Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver's water committee. "Impacts of climate change result in longer dry spells in the summer, meaning we all have to do our part to conserve water when we can."
During a Stage 1 water restriction, lawn sprinkling is permitted at even-numbered addresses on Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 4 and 9 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses can water on Thursday and Sunday mornings between 4 and 9 a.m. Trees, shrubs and flowers are permitted every day from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler or anytime if hand watering or using drip irrigation.
Non-residential even-numbered addresses can water Monday morning between 1 and 6 a.m. a.m. and Friday mornings between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., while odd-numbered addresses can water Tuesday mornings from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday mornings between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Anyone who waters outside of the designated times could get a ticket depending on the city and restriction stage.
For example, in Coquitlam the fine for violating the Stage 1 water restriction is $75, which doubles during the Stage 2 restriction to $150. A Stage 3 violation could cost $300 while Stage 4 violators could pay as much as $500. Fines can be reduced if paid within 14 days.
Metro Vancouver's water supply depends on the snowpack and cumulative precipitation.
According to a press release, recent snowpack surveys conducted in the Coquitlam, Capilano and Seymour watersheds this month found levels slightly lower than average for this time of year. However, water reservoirs are expected to reach 100% by June.
Still, Brodie said it is important that residents work to conserve treated water during the long hot summer months.
"Long-range climate projections show that our region can expect more than double the number of summer days above 25 degrees in the future," he said. "Implementing good conservation habits today will better allow us to continue to meet our region's water needs in the future. It's the right thing to do."
For more information about watering regulations and tips for conserving click here.
@gmckennaTC
