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Opinion: Please, Burnaby house owners, don't be water pigs this summer

New restrictions announced for watering your lawns in Burnaby.
Chris Campbell
Chris Campbell
lawn-watering-stock
Burnaby residents urged to cut back on water usage this summer. iStock photo

The first stage of lawn watering restrictions begins on Sunday, May 1 and Burnaby residents are being urged to follow them as another scorching summer is predicted to take a toll on water supplies.

Which means that you shouldn't be a water pig - it's not necessary as there are plenty of times available to water your lawn.

Metro Vancouver recently updated the restrictions for increasing water demands as a result of population growth and potential hot and dry weather this summer.

Following these dates will help the region meet its goals and ensure your lawn stays fresh. Please be a team player. You might even consider letting your lawn get a little brown this year to conserve water. Or pull out your grass and replace it with something that doesn't require water. 

Lawn water restrictions in Burnaby from May 1 to Oct. 15 are as follows:

Residential

  • Lawn watering allowed:
    • Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays:
      • Automatic watering from 5 to 7 a.m.
      • Manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.

Non-Residential

  • Lawn watering allowed:
    • Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
      • Automatic watering from 4 to 6 a.m.
      • Manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is allowed any day any time if residents are hand-watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Residents are also allowed to water edible plants.

All water restrictions only apply to drinking and tap water, not rainwater, recycled water or grey water such as wastewater from baths, sinks or washing machines.

The demand for water is at the highest in the evening when residents need to prepare dinner, wash the dishes, do the laundry and shower. Watering the lawn early in the morning helps reduce the peak demand on the city's water system.

Residents can still use water to wash their vehicles or driveways but are reminded to limit their non-priority water usage during the water restrictions.

Restrictions for those water uses are at later stages.

  • With files from the Richmond News