University Heights Emergency Stage 4 Water Restrictions reduced; Stage 3 Water Restrictions now in place

Update June 10, 11 a.m.

Emergency Stage 4 water restrictions reduced; Stage 3 water restrictions now in place for the University Heights neighbourhood:

• Despite the recent warm weather and while the rest of Squamish saw an 11% increase in water demand over the weekend, the University Heights neighbourhood achieved a 12% reduction in water demand. That’s a 23% reduction in potential water demand for the neighbourhood.
• The District has reduced emergency Stage 4 water restrictions due to combined water conservation efforts and reservoir refill gains to ensure sufficient water storage to provide sufficient fire protection.
• Stage 3 water restrictions now in place for University Heights neighbourhood.
• During Stage 3, sprinkler use is not permitted.
• Residents may water flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables with a hand-held container, a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle, or via micro or drip irrigation from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on any day.
• Due to the complex nature of the watermain break repair, it may take several weeks to restore full service to the neighbourhood.
• We will continue to keep you updated with information as it becomes available.  
• Residents, please continue water conservation efforts. Thank you to everyone for doing your part.
• A further update will be provided if anything changes.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.  

Update June 7, 4 p.m.

Emergency Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place for the University Heights neighbourhood:

• The combined conservation efforts of residents along with the installation of the 2” bypass pipe is re-filling the reservoir to ensure enough water storage in the event of a fire/emergency, and to ensure sufficient drinking water.
• Residents, please continue your efforts throughout the weekend.
• A further update will be provided on Monday, or sooner if anything changes.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.  

Update June 6, 4 p.m.

Emergency Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place for the University Heights neighbourhood due to a watermain break at the Lower University Reservoir and pump station.

The watermain break is located at the base of a large retaining wall which is significantly complicating the repair. Due to the inaccessibility of the break, a temporary bypass is being constructed while a permanent solution is pursued. The temporary bypass is expected to be in place within the next 24 hours.

The temporary bypass, however, will only provide a fraction of the water a full-sized pipe would deliver and so the Stage 4 water restrictions are critical to ensure reservoir levels don’t drop.

Reservoir levels must be maintained to ensure water storage in the event of a fire and to continue to supply potable water throughout the hot days ahead, it is important to stop outdoor water use and limit indoor use to only necessary activities.

The District of Squamish is requesting that automatic irrigation systems be turned off. If you would like assistance with turning off your irrigation system, please contact Public Works at 604-815-6868.

For more information on Stage 4 Water Restrictions, please visit the Outdoor Water Use Bylaw page of our website. The District of Squamish will communicate when the repair is complete. Please contact Public Works at 604-815-6868 if you have any questions or concerns.

The District will provide additional instruction periodically through Squamish Alert. Please sign up here to receive a text, email or phone call with new information: squamish.ca/alert.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work through this emergency repair.

June 5, 7 p.m.

The District of Squamish has implemented emergency Stage 4 water restrictions for the University Heights community due to a watermain break at the Lower University Reservoir and pump station. Crews are working to repair it as soon as possible.

To ensure water storage in the event of a fire and to continue to supply potable water, it is important to eliminate outdoor water use and limit indoor use to only necessary activities.

Please use the least amount of water possible until further notice until the repair is fixed.

• No outdoor water use - please turn off outdoor irrigation systems
• Limited indoor use to necessary activities only. Please: take short showers; limit the number of showers; don't take baths; avoid laundry if possible.

Thank you for your cooperation. We will provide an update as soon as the repair is fixed.

June 6, 2024