Water restrictions start on May 15 in Metro Vancouver
Restrictions last from May 15 to October 15
Although the West Coast has so far this year lived up to its nickname — the Wet Coast — water restrictions are still in effect this summer in Metro Vancouver.
"We're conserving the water for when we go through long, hot, dry spells — should we have one. We had one in 2015," explained Darrell Mussatto, chair of Metro Vancouver's Utilities Committee and the mayor of North Vancouver.
Starting May 15, the region is implementing Stage 1 of its Water Shortage Response Plan.
It is expected to last until October 15.
For now, residents of Metro Vancouver are being asked to limit their lawn watering — what Mussatto calls the "chief water use in the summer" — to a maximum of three times per week.
Residential addresses are allowed to water on the following days:
- Even-numbered addresses Monday, Wednesday, Saturday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Non-residential addresses are allowed to water on the following days:
- Even-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- All non-residential addresses on Friday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
There are a few other restrictions in place for golf courses, cemetery lawn operators, and those with artificial turf. These are listed on the Metro Vancouver website.
Mussatto says most people do make the change once the messaging is out there, but some municipalities are vigilant about ticketing people who do not follow the restrictions.
"We have a great, high quality water supply … but it's a precious resource. Let's not waste a drop."
With files from The Early Edition