Metro Vancouver pushes for water conservation amid drought concerns

People across Metro Vancouver are being asked to be mindful and to help conserve water as the province faces what appears to be a perfect storm for drought conditions.

The regional district says July has already brought record global temperatures. That came after “months of dry spells” within the region.

“Many parts of BC are experiencing drought conditions. With more hot, dry weather ahead, we must be proactive in this region with our water conservation efforts to ensure there is enough water to last until the rains return,” George V. Harvie, chair of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors, said Thursday.

His comments came just hours after B.C. Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma hinted at the possibility of water restrictions coming in soon.

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Metro Vancouver says more drinking water was used in the region “every day in May and June” of this year compared to the same period in 2022.

Meanwhile, total water use in that period this year was 21 per cent higher than it was in May and June of 2022.

“Our region is blessed with world-class drinking water, and it is important that we conserve water for where we need it most: cooking, cleaning, and drinking,” said Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee.

“Regional water demand typically increases by 50 per cent or more in the summer, largely due to outdoor uses — primarily lawn watering. Many people don’t realize that one hour of rain or watering per week is all you need to maintain a healthy lawn, and lawns that are not watered simply go dormant over the summer.”

The district says the region relies on snowpack to fill its three reservoir lakes — Seymour, Capilano, and Coquitlam. The water that fills those lakes is needed to last through May to October.

With little precipitation forecast for the foreseeable future, the district says water conservation should be “top of mind” for people and businesses.

Stage 1 lawn watering restrictions are currently in effect until Oct. 15. Last year, Metro Vancouver extended its regulations due to “unseasonably warm and dry conditions.”