Vancouver water restrictions to begin May 15

As the warmer months arrive, the city of Vancouver and the Vancouver Park Board are reminding residents how to be more water-wise.

Stage one restrictions begin May 15, which means restricted residential and non-residential lawn sprinkling, as well as car and boat washing.

If someone waters their lawn outside the designated times without a permit, they could be fined $250.

The city is hoping the international celebration of Drinking Water Week in May leads into a “water wise summer.”

“Last year, we experienced the most severe drought since 2003, with stage three water restrictions, reminding Vancouver residents the value of being water wise and using it only when needed most: for drinking, cooking and cleaning,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson in an information bulletin.

READ MORE: Vancouver saw the warmest April on record last month

The number one recommendation for being water-wise is reducing outdoor watering.

“One hour of lawn sprinkling can use as much water as 25 toilet flushes, five loads of laundry, and five dishwasher loads combined,” reads the city’s bulletin.

Both the city and the board will also be reducing the use of treated drinking water in public spaces, recreational facilities, and civic facilities.

The board will also be conducting water conservation projects at Trout Lake and certain sites in Stanley Park, which together account for 25 per cent of the board’s current water use.

“Water conservation is a critical part of the Park Board’s green operations initiatives,” stated Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung. “While our parks and facilities account for about three per cent of the city’s total water use, management of water in parks sets the standard for water conservation on private land across the city.”