Metro Vancouver warns of possible Stage 3 water restrictions to begin in June

Metro Vancouver is warning residents to prepare to move to Stage 3 water restrictions in June, in part due to a low snowpack and drought conditions.

Metro Vancouver is currently in Stage 2 water restrictions, but further restrictions could be implemented next month.

Linda Parkinson, Metro Vancouver’s director of policy, planning and analysis for water services, says it’s a difficult decision.

“It’s very tough. We do not take a move to stage three very lightly. We are in the business of delivering water.”

Parkinson says the move is due to a multitude of factors, including a major upgrade that is adding strain to the system.

“The need to go to stage three is primarily driven by the fact that we have our First Narrows crossing out of service,” she said.

The First Narrows crossing, one of the region’s key supply pipes from the reservoirs on the North Shore, has been out of service since last fall.

The move to Stage 3 is tied to a new water supply tunnel through Stanley Park to replace the existing main.

The move to Stage 3 would include additional restrictions on watering trees and gardens, filling pools and hot tubs, and washing surfaces, vehicles, and boats.

Residents will receive one week’s notice before the move, the first time Metro Vancouver has made the step so early in the season.

“Last time we went in, it was Stage 2 in July, Stage 3 in August and that was in 2015—the severe drought year,” explained Parkinson.

Metro Vancouver says it is trying to keep daily water use below 1.4 billion litres while the First Narrows crossing remains offline.

Metro Vancouver says the goal is not to bring in Stage 3 restrictions unless absolutely necessary, but it is warning residents and businesses to be prepared.

Many municipalities start with warnings, but fines can reach up to $500 under Stage 2 and may be higher under Stage 3.