Water restrictions set for May 1 as snowpack continues to dip

The declining snowpack in B.C.’s south coast has led Metro Vancouver to enact water restrictions starting May 1.

Preliminary data from the province’s more than 100 Automated Snow Weather Stations (ASWS) shows that the average for all sites is 67 percent of the historical average, a decrease of six per cent from data reported on March 15.

To cope with the low snowpack levels, Metro Vancouver residents and businesses are permitted to water their lawns once per week beginning next month, according to a press release published on Tuesday.

“With a low snowpack this year and every expectation of a hot and dry summer, it’s important that all residents make water conservation a priority,” stated George V. Harvie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of directors.

Metro Vancouver is also not ruling out a complete ban on lawn watering later in the summer given the high temperatures and low rain expected for this spring and summer.

The organization banned all lawn watering on Aug. 4, 2023 as part of Stage 2 watering restrictions. It was the first time that Metro Vancouver enacted Stage 2 watering restrictions since 2015.

“Last year, we had to ban lawn watering mid-summer because use of our treated drinking water for outdoor use was too high,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee.

“This year, we’re hoping to avoid escalating restrictions for as long as possible, but it really depends on you,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee.

Reservoirs in the region are on pace to be full by mid-May, according to Metro Vancouver.

Lawn watering restrictions are scheduled to be in place until Oct. 15.