May 1 marks the start of Stage 2 water restrictions in the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD).
In an effort to conserve water, residents and businesses may not water their lawns until Oct. 15.
Mark Schwark, director of water and utilities management with the City of Vancouver, says this doesn’t mean you can’t water any vegetation.
“You can still water trees, shrubs, and flowers as per provisions within the bylaws and the restrictions,” Schwark explained.
Amid Stage 2, those plants can be watered on any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, and on any day, at any time if using a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off device, a soaker hose, a water container, or drip irrigation.
Schwark says city bylaw officers will patrol Vancouver for compliance. Infractions, he says, can result in fines up to $500.
“We had a very rainy winter, but… this year’s snowpack is down to 55 per cent versus previous years, and the province is calling for a hotter, drier summer and possible drought conditions. So it’s really important for people to use water wisely.”
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He says it’s possible that the region could advance to Stage 3 or relax into Stage 1 sooner than Oct. 15, depending on conditions.
“Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor the reservoir levels and will indicate whether we can change our stage watering restrictions in the future.”
Residents, Schwark says, can do their part by following the rules and preserving water for essential use.
“It’s really important for people to understand the important use of this really precious resource that we have to last throughout the spring, summer, and into the fall.”