Water Restrictions

Water use doubles in the summer, primarily due to lawn watering. Restrictions around water use help ensure drinking water isn't wasted.

Water usage from sources not connected to the municipal water supply is exempt from the bylaw, as private well water is under Provincial jurisdiction. However, we encourage all property owners to be good environmental stewards and follow water use restrictions. A mix of groundwater and purchased Metro Vancouver surface water is used in the Township. Water restrictions are in place to protect our shared drinking water to help ensure a continued source of water for all.

Yes, sports playing fields and school fields also have watering restrictions during Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 . Some fields have a sand base for year round use, allowing higher water infiltration and faster drainage to accommodate wet winter months. Due to this sand base, these playing field do need to water during the summer to prevent drying out and potential die-off. The use of sand base fields is consistent with other local municipalities.

Township of Langley staff are aware of water conservation, and only water to the extent required for facility maintenance. The majority of parks and playing fields use an automated watering system connected to a computerized central irrigation system. The computerized system uses local water data to calculate the evapotranspiration rate. The system then applies a measured amount of water to the soil to maintain specific soil moisture. Generally, parks and playing fields receive infrequent watering, but for longer periods of time, to force the turf to grow longer roots. Longer roots make turf more durable and resilient.

The Township of Langley’s Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 has four stages of watering restrictions:

• Stage 1 automatically implemented every year
• Stages 2 and 3 used in times of extended drought, or when facing a water supply issue
• Stage 4 reserved for emergency situations

All areas of the Township are subject to the next stages of restrictions if deemed necessary by Metro Vancouver or the General Manager of Engineering.

If you know your neighbour, you may wish to have a quick chat with them to ensure they have the right details for this year's watering restrictions. Feel free to mention the Township’s Water Restrictions website address with them so they can find more information online: tol.ca/waterrestrictions.

Otherwise, call our Engineering team at 604-532-7300 to place a service request regarding watering outside of permitted times. The team will be able to assist best.