What you can do now that Metro Vancouver water restrictions are Stage 2
Metro Vancouver has lifted its temporary implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions, but that doesn’t mean that the region is in the clear just yet.
The District is currently building a new water supply tunnel through Stanley Park to replace a water main from the 1930s. To do so, it had to close down one of the region’s main pipes from the North Shore reservoirs to protect the water supply system for a number of weeks.
Though the pipe has been reopened and water restrictions have been downgraded to Stage 2 as of Thursday, July 16, there are still limits on what residents throughout Metro Vancouver are allowed to do.
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Metro Vancouver’s Stage 2 water restrictions allow residents to water their vegetable gardens at any time.’
Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered at any time using a water container, drip irrigation, or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. Those wanting to use sprinklers and soaker hoses can do so only from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily.
Washing vehicles and boats is once again permitted, both at home with a spring-loaded nozzle or at a commercial car wash.
People can also top up or fill personal pools and hot tubs. Public pools and hot tubs, as well as user-activated spray parks, still remain open.
You can see a full list of Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions, from Stage 1 to Stage 4, online.
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“Stage 2 water restrictions remain necessary due to ongoing and forecasted dry conditions, low remaining snowpack, and high seasonal outdoor water use,” said the District online.
“Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor weather, reservoir levels, regional water demand, system performance, and progress on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel work.”
The B.C. Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship is watching closely over drought concerns.
The ministry is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as much of the province is expected to be dealing with elevated drought conditions this summer. There are also water-scarcity concerns.
The ministry’s warning applies to the coming weeks.
“Protecting B.C.’s water resources is a shared responsibility, and the actions we take today will help communities, farmers and businesses manage increasing drought pressures,” said Randene Neill, minister of water, land, and resource stewardship, in a statement.
“We are working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector to support water conservation and long-term water security. By working together and reducing water use where we can, we can help protect fish and wildlife, support farmers who depend on reliable water supplies and strengthen the resilience of our communities.”