As a potentially dry summer looms, Mission and Abbotsford have begun with Stage 1 water restrictions.
The two cities entered Stage 1 on May 1, with restrictions expected to last until the start of fall. The official end of restrictions will depend on weather and drought conditions, supply availability, and snowpack.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, lawn watering is only permitted once per week for both residential and industrial properties.
If a sprinkler or soaker hose is used, watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is restricted between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on any given day during Stage 1.
Water restrictions follow four stages, which are tied to the level of Dickson Lake — the main source of drinking water for both communities.
Abbotsford and Mission’s Joint Shared Services Committee (JSSC) decided on changes to restrictions in March, which include restrictions outside the May 1 to Sept. 30 timeframe when “relevant circumstances” warrant it.
On April 9, Abbotsford council approved the changes.
A staff report will come before Mission council at Monday’s (May 6) meeting to have the changes approved.
City of Mission communications manager Taryn Hubbard says water conservation will be of particular importance this summer. The city will put up water restriction signs throughout the community to inform residents of the current stage.
According to a news release, the Abbotsford Mission Water and Sewer Commission encourages residents to let their lawns go dormant and follow year-round water conservation tips such as taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
For more information on current restrictions, visit ourwatermatters.ca.
- With files from Vikki Hopes