The sun has certainly been out in Richmond and as the days continue to get longer, the city’s lawn watering regulations will go into effect this week.
On Wednesday, May 1, Richmond will enter stage one of its four-stage drinking water conservation plan. Water restrictions help ensure there is enough water until the rainy fall season.
“Lawn watering regulations have resulted in significant reductions in peak summer water demand and we encourage people to continue respecting these seasonal regulations, especially as we experience hotter and drier summers,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee.
“Impacts of climate change result in longer dry spells in the summer, meaning we all have to do our part to conserve water when we can.”
According to Metro Vancouver, recent snowpack surveys from the Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam watersheds in early April show snowpack levels are slightly lower than average for this time of year. However, reservoir levels are expected to reach 100 per cent by June.
“Long range climate projections show that our region can expect more than double the number of summer days above 25 degrees in the future,” Brodie said. “Implementing good conservation habits today will better allow us to continue to meet our region’s water needs in the future. It’s the right thing to do.”
Lawn water restrictions in Richmond from May 1 to Oct. 15 are:
Residential lawn watering allowed:
Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday mornings 4 to 9 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday mornings 4 to 9 a.m.
Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers (excluding edible plants):
Any day from 4:00 to 9:00 a.m. using a sprinkler; anytime using hand watering or drip irrigation
Non-residential lawn watering allowed:
Even-numbered addresses: Monday mornings 1 to 6 a.m. and Friday mornings 4 to 9 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday mornings 1 to 6 a.m. and Friday mornings 4 to 9 a.m.
Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers (excluding edible plants):
Any day from 1 to 9 a.m. using a sprinkler; anytime using hand watering or drip irrigation
Richmond’s water restrictions are part of Metro Vancouver’s drinking water conservation plan and municipalities across the region have the same regulations in place. During stage one of the water restrictions, topping up or filling water features, pools and hot tubs is permitted, as is washing vehicles and boats. Restrictions for those water uses come into effect at later stages.
All water restrictions only apply to drinking and tap water, not rain water, recycled water or grey water such as waste water from baths, sinks or washing machines.
