Abbotsford launches "sprinkler patrol team" to monitor water usage

As the City of Abbotsford heads into stage three water restrictions, they will be cracking down on water wasters by patrolling the streets with a specialized team dubbed the “Sprinkler Patrol,” according to CKNW.

Mayor Henry Braun says low water supply levels has forced the city to take action.

“The unseasonably warm temperatures and lack of rainfall this spring, combined with our significantly reduced snowpack have contributed to the lowering of the Dickson Lake water source levels faster than we expected,” said Braun.

“We’ve got some University students that we’ve hired who are actually patrolling certain neighbourhoods where we know that there has been water usage throughout the night, which tells us that its irrigation or somebody has been watering their lawns, or they have a leak.”

The stage three water restrictions came into effect on July 3, so all water sprinkling is banned, no new lawn sprinkling permits will be issued, and all non-circulating water fountains are prohibited.

Despite the bans, the City of Abbotsford will continue to water sports fields since they are an investment and are costly to replace.

Braun adds no fines have been issued yet, but repeat offenders have been warned. Water consumption in the city has dropped by 10%.

This @City_Abbotsford vehicle may be coming to your neighbourhood soon. #OurWaterMatters pic.twitter.com/JVinLq99Ex

— Henry Braun (@MayorHenryBraun) July 8, 2015

For questions or comments regarding sprinkling #Abbotsford residents can call 604-557-4423 or email [email protected]

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) July 9, 2015