Water, water, everywhere but not enough to drink – that seems to be the Lower Mainland’s big problem this summer.
Though there would be plenty to drink if we would just manage our water use better, according to the City of Burnaby’s director of engineering, Leon Gous.
“I will say, and this is a problem throughout B.C., the consumption in Metro Vancouver is still something in the order of 450 litres per person per day, compared to the European average of about 200,” he told Burnaby council at a recent meeting. “Even with everyday use of water, we haven’t gotten anywhere near efficient in the use of water.”
Gous was speaking in response to Coun. Nick Volkow, who had questions about how the region will manage its water when there’s an influx of one million people expected over the next 20 to 30 years.
“The combination of capacity increase and probably some demand management is what will ultimately get us through the next 25 years,” Gous told him.
Volkow wanted to know if there were plans for Metro Vancouver to increase its reservoir capacity to accommodate the growing population. Gous agreed to look into it.
“I think this is going to be the coming new norm, what we’re experiencing here,” he said, adding he’s head people suggesting water metering as a way to discourage overuse. “I want people to be aware there are issues, and if Metro Vancouver were to increase the capacity, that would be some major engineering work.”
Mayor Derek Corrigan responded to Volkow as well.
“You’re right, it is a capacity issue. We do have additional capacity at the Coquitlam site, and I think they’re avoiding utilizing that because it generates power,” he said. “We are, I think, tapped into some of our alpine lakes already.
“I doubt very much if maximum capacity is high on the list for Metro Vancouver, but you’re right; as the population grows, it may have to increase,” he added.
According to Corrigan, it was the first time he’d seen the Stage 3 watering restrictions imposed in the region this early in the season.
“I can tell you that for the majority of the year, we’re releasing water, and in fact we’re looking at how to generate power through the release of water,” he said. “So it is a capacity issue. For most of the year, we’re in excess of our capacity.”
Corrigan also acknowledged that overuse of the region’s drinking water is an issue at the meeting.
“We are a little profligate,” he said.
Coun. Anne Kang, chair of the city’s environment committee, said she was inspired by delegates from Burnaby’s sister city Kushiro, who mentioned Japan’s ofuro, or Japanese bathtubs.
The tub is used by the whole family, and laundry is also washed in it. The water is then used to water lawns and wash cars, she told council.
“Perhaps this is something the City of Burnaby could be learning from our sister city, Kushiro,” she said.
Kang also encouraged residents to buy rain barrels in the fall, in case there’s another drought next year. She also had a message for people in the city who are still watering their lawns, despite the watering restrictions.
“I just wanted to remind everyone that as you are watering, using our fresh drinking water to water your plants, you are taking cups of water away from a child who could be using that water as they are playing soccer outside,” she said.
