Water use can increase by up to 50 percent in the summer months, depending on the region, and lawn watering is an important reason. The Phase 1 restrictions will remain in effect until October 15.
“Irrigation regulations across the area are an effective way to help us use our drinking water wisely,” the Metro Vancouver website reminds residents.
Watering of houses will be allowed on weekend mornings, with even addresses limited to Saturdays and single addresses only on Sundays. For those who set sprinkler timers, automatic watering is allowed between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Manual watering is allowed between 6 a.m. 9 before noon
The non-residential properties have their turn on Monday, for the even addresses and on Tuesdays for the single addresses. Automatic watering is allowed between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and manual watering between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Each of Metro Vancouver’s member municipalities is responsible for enforcing the restrictions. In Vancouver City, breaking the rules can result in a $ 250 fine. Surrey residents are seeking a $ 200 fine, while it’s $ 150 for those in Burnaby.
Watering of trees, shrubs and flowers with a sprayer is allowed every day between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Manual watering or drip irrigation is allowed at any time.
Edible plants are exempt from the restrictions.
Indoor water use – for toilets, taps, showers and appliances – accounts for only 40 percent of all Metro Vancouver, while outdoor use accounts for the remaining 60, according to the site, which is one of the reasons why conservation efforts focus on outdoor use during the summer months.
“With all the rain in the Vancouver Metro, water savings may not be in the spotlight, but water savings are more important than you think,” the district website said.
“The average amount of water we use daily in Metro Vancouver is 1 billion liters – enough to fill BC Place.”
