'We have to plan for the worst case scenario,' says Metro Vancouver's utilities chair

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It may feel like it’s been raining non-stop since spring started, but water restrictions are still coming into effect in just over two weeks across the region.

There are three reservoirs that provide water to homes and businesses. One is in Coquitlam and is operated by BC Hydro; the other two are Seymour and Capilano, which are connected.

Darrell Mussatto, outgoing Utilities Chair with Metro Vancouver, knows it’s been raining but says they have to do this to prepare for what could be a dry summer.

“It’s bit of a tough sell right now. We’re getting a lot of rain but we have to plan for the worst case scenario and we have to get better habits.”

You would think after repeated campaigns, reminders and the drought of 2015 that people would get the message, but Mussatto says some still don’t.

“We are getting better, no doubt about it. But we do waste quite a bit of water. You know, those long showers… in many other parts of the world, they can’t do that. Here, if we get good habits, we know that our reservoirs will be strong and healthy through the entire summer season.”

Stage 1 residential lawn watering allowed:

Even-numbered addresses Wednesday, Saturday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Odd-numbered addresses Thursday, Sunday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation

Stage 1 non-residential lawn watering allowed:

Even-numbered addresses Monday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday mornings, 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Odd-numbered addresses Tuesday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday mornings, 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation

Mussatto says water usage is also a concern for homeowners who think they need to water their lawn a lot.

“We have to try and educate the people who water their lawns. They don’t need to water them every day. They need to water them once every seven to 10 days. That’s all the grass needs for a healthy lawn. We just to make sure we get the word out that [we need to] be water-wise. Don’t waste a drop of our water.”

The three reservoirs are currently near capacity. Mussatto also points out snowpack levels are at 125 per cent because of the rough winter on the mountains, which will be good news for the reservoirs when the snow starts melting.

The restrictions begin on May 1st, two weeks earlier than last year. Mussatto adds that will be the new start date moving forward regardless of the rain or shine.

The restrictions will end in mid-October.