Metro Vancouver Faces Stage 3 Water Restrictions

Metro Vancouver is bracing for the likely implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions in June. This move is prompted by a combination of factors, including significantly low snowpack levels and the ongoing outage of a key water supply pipe, the First Narrows Crossing. This vital pipe has been offline since last fall for construction on a new tunnel, impacting the region's water distribution from North Shore reservoirs.

Water usage in May has already surpassed levels seen at the same time last year, when less restrictive Stage 1 rules were in place. Current Stage 2 restrictions prohibit lawn watering and the filling of decorative water features. Should Stage 3 restrictions be enacted, these will be expanded to include limitations on watering trees and gardens, filling pools, and washing vehicles.

The region's snowpack is at approximately 23% of the historical average, the lowest since 2015, mirroring concerns from that drought year. This low snowpack, coupled with early snowmelt and warm seasonal forecasts, heightens drought risks for the South Coast. While current reservoir levels remain typical, they are vulnerable to increased demand as temperatures rise.

Metro Vancouver aims to keep daily water use below 1.4 billion litres while the First Narrows Crossing is out of service. The system can remain resilient with daily usage above one billion litres until construction is complete. The regional district will provide at least one week's notice before enforcing Stage 3 restrictions, with local municipalities responsible for enforcement and potential fines.