Canada Day also brought the start of summer water restrictions in the Aldergrove area.
Elsewhere in the Metro Vancouver region, water restrictions came into effect on June 1.
Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions have been declared by the Township of Langley for residents on the municipal water system in the communities of Aldergrove, Gloucester, and Salmon River Uplands. These restrictions will be in effect until Sept. 30.
Higher temperatures increase municipal water usage, putting a strain on local aquifers, which are the sole source of municipal water to these east Langley communities. Proactive conservation measures by the Township are deemed necessary to ensure that an adequate supply of drinking water and water for emergencies is available.
Other parts of the Township receive municipal water from Metro Vancouver reservoirs.
Everyone can do their part to reduce water usage, and residents with private wells in those areas are asked to support conservation efforts by voluntarily complying with the Stage 3 restrictions.
Water use restrictions are implemented through the Township’s Water Shortage Response Bylaw 2005 No. 4350.
Effective July 1 to September 30, the following Water Use Restrictions are in effect:
• Lawn sprinkling is prohibited by homes and businesses
• Residential and most commercial gardens, shrubs, trees, and flower beds may only be watered by hand, by containers, or through drip irrigation
• Private (residential) pressure washing is prohibited, and commercial hosing or pressure washing is only allowed for health or safety reasons, or for preparing a surface for painting
• Decorative fountains must be shut down
• Hand washing of vehicles is restricted to features required for safety (windows, lights, licenses), so long as an automatic shut-off device is used; hand washing at commercial car washes is allowed
• Filling and refilling of private, commercial, and public swimming pools, ponds, and hot tubs is prohibited
To view a map of affected areas and for additional information, visit the Township’s website at tol.ca/wateringrestrictions. Further questions may be answered by calling the Township’s Engineering Division at 604-532-7300.
This number can also be used to report a water restriction violation. Violators will be subject to prosecution.
The demand for water soars during the hottest days of summer, in part because of all the water we’re pouring on lawns for aesthetic reasons. This is especially true during the evening hours when demand peaks as residents prepare meals, shower after work and turn on the dishwasher.
Established lawns only need sprinkling for one hour a week, or less if it rains.