en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Metro Vancouver region will implement third-level water restrictions starting June 8 to protect the regional water supply system during critical infrastructure projects.
These restrictions are directly linked to warm and dry weather, below-normal snowpack levels, and construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. The region's average daily water consumption is 1 billion liters, increasing to 1.5 billion liters in summer months; current daily consumption is approximately 1.2 billion liters, but is expected to rise further with forecasted warm weather.
Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver, stated that warm and dry weather, low snowpack levels, and construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel are the main factors affecting water supply. He also noted that water consumption could increase by over 50% as summer weather arrives, and to complete projects like the Stanley Park tunnel that enhance capacity and resilience, collective efforts are needed to reduce water usage and protect the system during construction.
Third-level restrictions apply to construction contractors and property managers: all lawn watering is prohibited, as well as filling or refilling swimming pools, hot tubs, and decorative water features at residential properties. Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered using hand-held containers, drip irrigation, or hoses with spring-loaded nozzles. Home car washing is limited to windows, lights, mirrors, license plates, and boat engines; commercial car washing services may continue to operate. Washing driveway and sidewalk surfaces is prohibited except in limited circumstances.
Non-residential properties face similar restrictions on lawn and garden watering, decorative water features, and surface cleaning. Golf courses and sports fields may continue watering to protect assets, and water parks may operate with user-activated switches. Filling or refilling swimming pools and hot tubs at non-residential properties requires an operating permit.
Metro Vancouver implemented second-level restrictions in May, aiming to keep regional daily water consumption below 1.4 billion liters to maintain water pressure during the shutdown of the First Narrows Crossing due to tunnel construction. Current snowpack levels are less than 15% of historical averages, but reservoir levels remain normal.
The First Narrows Crossing is expected to resume operations around the end of July. Metro Vancouver stated that if water supply conditions permit, the third-level restrictions will be lifted at that time.
Water restrictions do not apply to rainwater, graywater, reclaimed water, or other water sources outside the regional drinking water supply system. Member jurisdictions enforce the restrictions through local bylaws.
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