Stage one water restrictions are in now effect for the District of Squamish.
During Stage 1, lawn watering with a sprinkler is allowed two days per week between 4 and 10 am, and 7 and 10 pm on Wednesday and Saturday for even numbered addresses, and Thursday and Sunday for odd numbered addresses.
The district’s water supply is limited by its pumping and distribution capacity, and demand can exceed supply in the summer without water conservation, district says.
In the last five years, summer water consumption has increased by an average of 72% per cent over the baseline consumption, much of which is attributed to outdoor sprinkler use.
“Despite all of our rainfall, our fresh water is not an unlimited resource, which is why it’s important for us to conserve water, not only now, but every day, all year round,” says Mayor Karen Elliott.
“Simple actions like turning the water off while brushing your teeth, waiting to run the dishwasher until it’s fully loaded, or watering your garden and lawn very early or late in the day can make a big difference in your daily water consumption,” she said.
According to the district’s Water Master Plan, the current drinking water distribution system has sufficient capacity to meet the community’s needs for the next 10 years, but only if water is used wisely.
