DESPITE the driest July and August on record, Metro Vancouver residents used less water this summer than during the drought of 2015, suggesting the region’s conservation initiatives are having a positive effect, said Metro Vancouver on Friday.

Lawn watering restrictions, in place across the region from May 15 to October 15, remained at Stage One throughout the entire season, allowing residential lawn watering up to three mornings per week. Although the region’s peak water use was higher than in 2016, it was below levels seen in recent years, including 2015.

“We applaud Metro Vancouver residents who co-operated with the lawn watering restrictions and ensured they were conserving drinking water wherever possible,” said Darrell Mussatto, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Utilities Committee. “Single family homeowners, in particular, really stepped up their water-wise lawn care, and only watered once or twice a week, or let their lawns go brown.”

Thanks to a snowy winter and wet spring, Metro Vancouver’s reservoirs were full heading into the summer, and the total water supply remained within the normal range throughout the season.

Earlier this year, Metro Vancouver approved a new Drinking Water Conservation Plan for 2018 that will further enhance wise water use. Stage One water restrictions will begin May 1, 2018, and lawn watering days will be reduced to two mornings per week. Additional water restrictions for businesses, school yards, golf courses and public parks, will also take effect.

“We need to be responsive to climate change and, in anticipation of future dry spells, we have revised our regulations to better ensure we have enough water for everyone’s needs,” added Mussatto. “Over the next decade we’re investing $3.5 billion into upgrading and expanding our water system – but it is crucial that everyone does their part by conserving water.”

Metro Vancouver’s We Love Water campaign offers helpful tips to support the region’s long-term goal of reducing overall water demand. Residents can visit the WeLoveWater.ca website, which provides information on how to use a little less water throughout the year, both inside the home and outdoors.