Metro Vancouver moves back to Stage 2 water restrictions

Metro Vancouver is moving back to Stage 2 water restrictions after being under Stage 3 restrictions since July.

“Recent heavy rains have restored Metro Vancouver’s reservoirs to acceptable water levels,” reads a Metro Vancouver statement.

“Metro Vancouver staff have continuously monitored the water levels in our three reservoirs as well as our daily water consumption, and now that the reservoirs are within the seasonal average, we can return to Stage Two water restrictions,” said Carol Mason, Commissioner of the Greater Vancouver Water District and Metro Vancouver’s Chief Administrative Officer.

The following restrictions are now in place:

According to officials, private and commercial washing of driveways, sidewalks, and parkades as well as pressure washing are allowed for health and safety purposes, but not for aesthetic purposes. Sports and sand-based playing fields may only use the minimum level of water needed to keep them in usable conditions.

Lawn sprinkling is permitted once a week in the morning but prohibited during evening hours when demand is highest. Water use is also prohibited for public and commercial fountains and water features.

• For residences, even-numbered addresses may water their lawn between 4-9 a.m. on Monday, and odd-numbered addresses may water between 4-9 a.m. on Thursday
• For non-residential property, even-numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns between 1-6 a.m. on Wednesday, and odd-numbered addresses may water lawns between 1-6 a.m. on Tuesday
• Municipal parks must also follow the once-weekly lawn sprinkling times

-With files from Amy Judd