People Have Been Doing Their Part to Conserve Water in Metro Vancouver

As you know, the Metro Vancouver region was under Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1st and Stage 3 water restrictions on June 8th to help manage the demand for water. There were two primary reasons for that: the first was that the First Narrows Crossing, a collection of three water mains under the Barrard Inlet, was out of commission, reducing the maximum amount of water available on any given day; and because of a reduced snowpack and forecasted drought, which places a constraint on the water reservoirs.

The good news is that the First Narrows Crossing was fully restored to service, and on July 16, the region moved back to Stage 2 water restrictions. While the City of Surrey did not take part in Stage 3 water restrictions, every other part of the region did. People did their part to conserve water, as shown in the following graph from Metro Vancouver.

Total water usage between May 1st and July 7th this year. Select the graph to enlarge.

As you can see, water usage was significantly down, including during the hottest days in June.

Total water storage in the Metro Vancouver water system. Select the graph to enlarge.

Water reservoir levels are on the lower end of the typical range, which is also good news.

For as long as I’ve been around, the region has moved through water restriction stages together and consistently. The Metro Vancouver Regional District plans to engage its member jurisdictions in the fall to review and update the Drinking Water Conservation Plan with, I’m sure, the goal of ensuring a consistent approach to water management.