With the hot and dry summer weather, water consumption in Squamish soared last week, putting pressure on a water system that runs close to maximum capacity in July and August. District of Squamish Council has passed a new Outdoor Water Use Bylaw to help combat increased usage that results in higher costs to operate and maintain the water system, and an increased likelihood that a complete upgrade of the system will be required sooner than planned. System upgrades are triggered by the community’s peak usage, which in summer is nearly double our winter consumption.
Squamish drinking water is provided by seven wells at Powerhouse Springs Aquifer, delivering a maximum capacity of just over 200 litres per second. If the capacity of Powerhouse is exceeded, emergency water sources automatically draw surface water from Mashiter Creek and the Stawamus River. Continued reliance on surface water sources would require costly water treatment upgrades. Prior to the Powerhouse Springs coming online close to 10 years ago, boil water advisories were common in Squamish.
“Squamish nearly doubles its water consumption during the summer months as a result of lawn watering, car washing and irrigation, which taxes the water system heavily and puts it very near capacity,” says Bob Smith, the District’s Director of Operations. “We must minimize the need for surface water entering the system, or be prepared to invest heavily in an expensive water treatment facility to filter, disinfect and treat the surface water for drinking.”
With the passing of the bylaw, Council endorsed increased summer water conservation as a key part of the solution.
“Water conservation is a critical aspect of responsibly managing our infrastructure and environment,” says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “Reducing water consumption will allow us to protect and preserve our water source and delay costly infrastructure upgrades to our water system.”
The District of Squamish has invested heavily in the upgrading and maintaining of the water system since January 2011; in particular as it pertains to water loss resulting from leakage in the system. Such measures include the conducting of a Water Loss Management Study, replacement of old and leaking watermains, and an ongoing leak detection and repair program.
Implementation of the three stages of the new Outdoor Water Use Bylaw is the next responsible step, and takes the existing Summer Water Use Strategy to a new level.
Stage 2 divides the community into seven areas, and provides each area with ONE day upon which they can water:
Monday: Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill
Tuesday: Downtown
Wednesday: Dentville, Business Park, North Yards
Thursday: Loggers Lane, Quest University
Friday: Garibaldi Highlands
Saturday: Garibaldi Estates
Sunday: Brackendale
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Throughout stages one and two a person may, on any day and at any time (and during restricted times in stage three):
A variety of exceptions and specific scenarios are outlined in the bylaw beginning on page five. The community is encouraged to review the three stages to understand what is allowable and what is restricted. In addition, the District is developing information and tips to help residents work within the bylaw.
“We urge every citizen to please do what they can to conserve water during these critical weeks,” continues the Mayor. “Every effort makes a difference and we can all have an impact.”
District Operations staff are updating irrigation systems and working to implement the bylaw restrictions into their own watering plans. Brennan Park sports fields are irrigated by a separate well system, and the town’s hanging baskets are created to achieve maximum water retention.
The District of Squamish is currently in Stage Two of the bylaw and will be working over the coming weeks to gain community support for the water conservation efforts. The initial focus will be very much on education and voluntary compliance. The bylaw, tips on how to work within the bylaw, weekly water consumption statistics and conservation tips are available for viewing online at www.squamish.ca/water
July 19, 2013
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