Image: Mariusz Blach, via Dreamstime / The City of Chilliwack has adopted stage 3 watering restrictions effective Wednesday, July 19, meaning Chilliwack households can only water their lawns one day a week. Under stage 3 watering restrictions, lawn watering days and times are reduced. Even numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays, and odd numbered addresses may water on Thursdays, from 5-8 am only. Additional restrictions include only watering gardens with a handheld container or hose with a shut off device or soaker, and only using water features (e.g. fountains) if they are recirculating. Non-recirculating water features using treated water are prohibited, as well as non-permeable surface washing for aesthetic purposes (e.g. pressure washing driveways).
Strict watering restrictions in Chilliwa

City of Chilliwack implements stricter watering restrictions effective immediately

Jul 19, 2023 | 9:20 AM

CHILLIWACK — In light of ongoing drought conditions throughout the province, the City of Chilliwack has implemented stricter watering standards for households effective immediately.

In a news release Wednesday morning, the city says it has moved to stage 3 watering restrictions as of July 19.

At its meeting yesterday, Chilliwack city council approved an extension of the watering restrictions period to October 15, and adopted new triggers for implementing each stage of summer watering restrictions.

The extended period of June 1 to October 15 better reflects when groundwater starts to naturally recharge in the fall after the dry summer period, the city said in a statement, and the new triggers for each stage of watering restrictions are based on current aquifer conditions.

British Columbia is currently experiencing drought conditions, and the city of Chilliwack currently meets the threshold for stage 3 watering restrictions. Stage 3 watering restrictions are now in effect until October 15, 2023, unless otherwise announced by the city.

Under stage 3 watering restrictions, lawn watering days and times are reduced. Even numbered addresses may water on Wednesdays, and odd numbered addresses may water on Thursdays, from 5-8 am only.

Additional restrictions include only watering gardens with a handheld container or hose with a shut off device or soaker, and only using water features (e.g. fountains) if they are recirculating. Non-recirculating water features using treated water are prohibited, as well as non-permeable surface washing for aesthetic purposes (e.g. pressure washing driveways).

“As dry conditions continue throughout the province, there are lots of small actions we can all take to help conserve water,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “For example, you can take shorter showers, turn off the tap when you brush your teeth, only run full loads of laundry or dishes, and regularly check your home for leaks.”

For more information about watering restrictions, visit chilliwack.com/water. For more information about province-wide drought conditions, visit the BC Drought Information Portal.