May 1 water restrictions in place as water use increases 70 per cent in the summer months

Forming good water conservation habits support a healthy water system

District of Squamish Stage 1 water restrictions go into effect Tuesday, May 1 which serves as an important reminder to practice responsible water use as we head into hot, dry weather. The District’s Water Master Plan outlines infrastructure upgrades required to meet an anticipated population growth of 31,525 residents by 2031. Working within the Outdoor Water Use Bylaw by adhering to the various stages of water restrictions will help the District stay on track to maintain the existing high level of water system service to Squamish residents well into the future. During Stage 1, lawn watering with a sprinkler is permitted two days per week from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Our fresh drinking water is some of the finest in the region, and by conserving it, we can continue to ensure our water source is protected and cared for through the decades to come,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “We can all do our part to responsibly manage our supply, especially during the hot summer months when our peak demand approaches our pumping capacity.” 

Each year water consumption within the District soars during the summer’s hot dry months – 70 per cent higher in 2017, putting added pressure on water infrastructure and fire flow capabilities. The District’s Water Conservation Plan aims to reduce water consumption per capita by 15% by 2031, which can be achieved if residents take small steps to reduce their daily consumption, whether it’s one less toilet flush per day, 30 seconds less in the shower, or practicing restrained outdoor summer water use. 

Follow these tips to easily do your part in reducing water consumption:

• Water deeply, but less frequently: An established lawn needs only 2.5 cm of water per week. How much is enough? Place an upside-down Frisbee or empty tuna can on your lawn when watering. Stop watering when the Frisbee is full or there is 2.5 cm of water in the tuna can. 
• Let your lawn go brown and dormant in the summer months: Try watering just once a month in July and August. A healthy lawn will green up again as rainfall resumes in the fall.
• Adjust sprinkler heads to water greenery, not the driveway or sidewalk.
• Invest in a timer and set it to your allowed watering days and times.
• Invest in a rain sensor for your in-ground irrigation system. If it rains, the irrigation will automatically turn off. 
• Make every drop count. Watering early or late in the day reduces evaporation.
• Build your soil with compost and mulch, and choose low water use plants.
• Collect rain water in a rain barrel for use in your flower garden.

Fast facts:

• One less toilet flush per day conserves six litres of water
• Shortening your shower by just one minute conserves nine litres of water
• A family of four could save up to 160,000 litres of water annually by using a high-efficiency shower head
• A family of four could save up to 30,000 litres of water annually by using a high-efficiency/ low-flush toilet
• Nearly 22% of indoor home water use comes from doing laundry. 
• Washing your vehicle with a self-closing nozzle could save up to 300 litres of water per wash which is the equivalent to 33 buckets of water. 

May 6 to 12, 2018 is B.C. Water Week, an important reminder to all British Columbians of the value of B.C. drinking water and the importance of conserving, protecting and supporting our water resources and systems. For B.C. Water Week events and fun facts about water visit the Water Week website.

For more information on the District’s water system, Outdoor Water Use Bylaw and Well Protection Plan visit squamish.ca/water-system. View and download the District’s Outdoor Water Use Chart.

April 30, 2018