Summer Isn’t Over Yet – And Neither Are Water Restrictions

As we round the homestretch of summer, weeks of hot weather may have left their toll on yards across the Township of Langley. Once green lawns may have turned golden as they became dormant, a natural response to heat and sunshine. As life returns to normal, seeing the end of weekend getaways and preparations for back-to-school, the urge to set the sprinkler for hours on end in an attempt to revive the lawn may seem enticing. Before reaching for the hose, residents are reminded that Stage 1 water restrictions remain in effect until October 15.
Like most municipalities in the region, the Township of Langley adheres to Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan and associated Lawn Watering Regulations, which are automatically implemented each year from May 1 to October 15. While water restrictions are not new to the region, this year’s restrictions introduced a few notable changes from years past. This season, lawn watering became limited to one morning per week, determined by address, and the time watering is permitted became determined by automatic or manual watering systems. Although a healthy lawn only requires one hour of watering per week, Metro Vancouver had observed some properties watering their lawns any time watering is allowed, even if the lawn didn’t need it. Staggered watering times reduce the demand on the water distribution system while recognizing manual watering requires a little more effort.
Under the restrictions, even-numbered residential addresses can water lawns on Saturdays, and odd-numbered residential addresses can water lawns on Sundays. Automatic watering for these days is permitted from 5:00 to 7:00am, and manual watering can take place from 6:00 to 9:00am.
As with previous years, watering garden beds, shrubs, trees, and flowers by handheld hose, soaker hose, watering container, or drip irrigation is permitted on any day at any time during Stage 1. Watering these areas with a sprinkler, however, can only take place between 5:00 and 9:00am. Gardens growing edible plants are exempt from restrictions.
Residents who prefer a lush, green yard all year long can consider planting more drought-tolerant lawn alternatives such as clover. For those without a green thumb, golden lawns will return to their prior green glory quicker than one might think, as dormant lawns are naturally revitalized by rainfall. Learn how to cultivate a climate-friendly yard next year at tol.ca/gardensmart.
Although this summer got off to a wet start, it remains important to conserve water and abide by current restrictions. Following restrictions and reducing per capita water use helps delay or avoid the need for costlier infrastructure upgrades.While properties on well water are exempt from water restrictions, all residents are encouraged to conserve water when possible to help avoid wasting a vital resource. Non-residential properties must also follow water restrictions, with different watering days and times than residential properties. To find details on non-residential restrictions, and to learn more about water restrictions and conservation in the Township, visit tol.ca/waterrestrictions.