This year, May comes with a set of water-use restrictions.
Starting today (May 1), the District of Squamish has implemented Stage 1 regulations that require households and businesses to limit outdoor water use for lawn watering, irrigation and car washing to two days per week between 4 and 10 a.m. and 7 and 10 p.m.
Squamish nearly doubles its water consumption during the summer months as a result of those activities, which taxes the water system heavily and puts it near capacity, warned the district’s director of operations Bob Smith.
“We must remain within a comfortable capacity limit, therefore minimizing the need for surface water to enter the system, or be prepared to invest heavily in a costly water treatment facility to filter, disinfect and treat surface water for drinking,” he said in a statement.
Besides the wear and tear on the system and the concern around a reliance on surface water, last summer’s dry, hot weather and this winter’s low precipitation levels highlight the importance of water conservation, Mayor Rob Kirkham said.
“Taking such a precious resource for granted and not limiting our use of it is irresponsible and shortsighted,” he said.
People living at even-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and Saturday between the mandated times. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can use outdoor water on Thursday and Sunday.
For info visit www.squamish.ca.
