Metro Vancouver has implemented Stage 3 water restrictions as the region experiences the driest and hottest start to summer on record.
That means a complete ban on lawn sprinklers, car and boat washing, and watering cemetery lawns. Watering gardens will only be permitted using a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle, containers or drip irrigation – soaker hoses are banned.
It is also prohibited to refill private pools, spas, and garden ponds.
Officials warn the region’s reservoirs have never been this stressed this early in the season.
“This is the worst it’s ever been,” North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto said. “We have to make sure we have enough to get us through into September, October and into November when the rains really start,”
Metro Vancouver initially announced Stage 3 restrictions would take effect Tuesday, but abruptly decided to implement them Monday afternoon instead.
The escalation followed several tinder dry months throughout much of B.C. Many areas of the province, including Metro Vancouver, now have a fire danger rating of extreme.
Earlier in July during Stage 2 restrictions, the City of Vancouver issued a bulletin warning that bylaw officers would be escalating enforcement to catch residents ignoring watering restrictions. Those caught watering their lawns outside of the designated times could be fined up to $250.
Some have taken to Twitter using the hashtag #grasshole to describe people watering their lawn during the drought.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced a Level 4 drought rating for both the South Coast and Lower Fraser areas because of low stream flows on July 15.
There are currently 167 active wildfires across the province, and officials say 2,936-square kilometres – an area bigger than Metro Vancouver – has been torched since the fire season began.
For more information on the stage 3 restrictions, see the Metro Vancouver Water Shortage Response Plan.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s St. John Alexander
