Stage 1 Water restrictions back in effect May 1

Water conservation in place to prepare for peak demand

District of Squamish Stage 1 water restrictions are in effect as of Friday, May 1 which serves as an important reminder to practice responsible water use as we approach the dry summer months when household water consumption typically increases substantially. During Stage 1, lawn watering with a sprinkler is allowed two days per week between 4 and 10 a.m., and 7 and 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday for even numbered addresses, and Thursday and Sunday for odd numbered addresses. 

In the last five years, summer water consumption has increased by an average of 72% per cent over the baseline consumption, much of which is attributed to outdoor sprinkler use.

"Despite all of our rainfall, our fresh water is not an unlimited resource, which is why it's important for us to conserve water, not only now, but every day, all year round," says Mayor Karen Elliott. "Simple actions like turning the water off while brushing your teeth, or waiting to run the dishwasher until it's fully loaded, or watering your garden and lawn very early or late in the day can make a big difference in your daily water consumption."  

The District’s water supply is limited by its pumping and distribution capacity. In the hot, dry summer months, the increased demand on the District’s water system could exceed what the system can supply, without proper water conservation. According to the District of Squamish Water Master Plan, the District's current drinking water distribution system has sufficient capacity to meet the growing community’s needs for the next 10 years, if water is used wisely. 

Water Conservation 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. 

What you can do:

• 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 on your lawn when watering. Stop watering when the Frisbee is full.
• 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. Be sure to adjust it when water restriction stages change.
• 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.

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.

For more tips on how to reduce your water use, visit https://squamish.ca/water-conservation. 

To view the Outdoor Water Use Chart visit https://squamish.ca/assets/water/50d419c861/Outdoor-Water-Use-Chart.pdf. 

May 1, 2020