Metro Vancouver encourages wise water use as temperatures climb

METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The heat has us using more water around Metro Vancouver.

Darrell Mussatto who is head of the regional district’s utilities committee says that shows when looking at usage over the last few days.

“We’re about 1.6, 1.65 billion litres of water a day in use,” he says, explaining that’s much higher than the average. “It’s not unexpected, however, we do want people to be vigilant and please don’t waste any water as we have a couple more warm days before we hopefully get some cooler days next week.”

He says people are using the water not only for personal use, but also for their gardens.

“And we’re really asking people to be vigilant in that regard because it’s a lot of water use.”

The good news is that reservoir levels are about average for this time of year, he adds. However, the higher-than average water use can bring levels down.

“We want to make sure we have a good, strong supply for the rest of the summer and into the fall.”

He reminds people that lawns don’t need to be watered as much as they think, explaining the grass goes dormant and doesn’t die.

“If they do need to water it, only once a week is plenty of water for them when they’re allowed to water on those mornings when they’re allowed to.”

The regional district is hopeful the cooler weather forecast for next week will reduce water use — of course, some rain would also help.

Stage 1 watering restrictions kicked in on May 1 and are expected to last until Oct. 15.

Residential lawn watering allowances:

  • Even-numbered addresses Wednesday, Saturday mornings 4 am to 9 am
  • Odd-numbered addresses Thursday, Sunday mornings 4 am to 9 am
  • Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 4 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Non-residential lawn watering allowances:

  • Even-numbered addresses Monday mornings 1 am to 6 am and Friday mornings, 4 am to 9 am
  • Odd-numbered addresses Tuesday mornings 1 am to 6 am and Friday mornings, 4 am to 9 am
  • Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 1 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

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