Remember lawn sprinkling?
Given the snow and ice that have plagued Tri-City streets and sidewalks for more than a month, many Metro Vancouverites might be forgiven a memory lapse on the need to cut down on water when there are drought conditions.
After all, we've just been hit by mother nature's fury in precipitation, with more than enough of the white stuff and the wet stuff to go around.
But come May, when there is a promise of sunny days, Metro Vancouver will once again be implementing water restrictions to ensure there is enough water in the reservoirs to handle all local needs.
In Coquitlam, where the Coquitlam River provides water for power, salmon and drinking, low water can be a concern. That's why it's important to consider the future of drinking water in the region if we want to have sustainable water resources.
And it looks like water restrictions could further tighten if the public is in agreement, according to a new Water Shortage Response Plan survey posted to the Metro Vancouver website. Among the proposed changes would be earlier activation period for Stage 1 (May 1 instead of May 15) and a reduction in the number of morning water periods, from three mornings a week to two. Further restrictions affecting golf courses, commercial car washes and even watering of trees, shrubs and flowers could also be approved.
These recommendations depend on municipal cooperation and resources to enforce the regulations and much public relations to convince people that tighter water restrictions are needed.
Is the water situation really that bad and will people comply? Many don't seem to respond to garbage issues or snow shovelling rules, judging by the lack of cooperation during this past winter, where sidewalks were almost literal skating rinks, so it's hard to believe these water sprinkling regs will be more than window dressing.
