Image: Pattison Media / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Drought

Stage 2 water restrictions put in place in Abbotsford and Mission

Jul 21, 2023 | 10:12 AM

ABBOTSFORD — As drought conditions continue to worsen across the province, the Abbotsford Mission Water and Sewer Commission (AMWSC) has taken action to support the provincial government’s directive to conserve water. Effective immediately, Stage 2 Water Restrictions are being implemented in an effort to preserve water during the summer months.

Although the local water supply currently falls within Stage 1 parameters, officials note the water levels in Dickson Lake and Cannel Lake have dipped considerably below seasonal norms.

Under Stage 2 water-use restrictions, lawn sprinkling in Abbotsford and Mission is permitted once a week and limited to weekend mornings. The restrictions allow residents to water plants, gardens, and impermeable surfaces, as well as washing vehicles using a hand-held container or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off device.

The AMWSC is urging residents to adopt simple water conservation practices, including letting lawns go dormant, taking shorter showers, and turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes. These efforts are crucial to ensure that essential water needs like drinking, cooking, and cleaning are met without undue strain on the water supply.

The agriculture sector is also expected to feel the impact of lower water levels in the Fraser River and surrounding creeks and streams, potentially limiting irrigation water supply in Matsqui and Sumas Prairies. Producers are encouraged to conserve water by irrigating during cooler periods, such as evenings, nights, or early mornings, to minimize evaporation loss.

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As drought conditions persist, the AMWSC anticipates implementing Stage 3 water-use restrictions August 4 and restrictions will extend until the end of October. Under Stage 3, the use of sprinklers, filling pools, spas, or ponds, and washing impermeable surfaces and vehicles will be prohibited, except when necessary for health and safety requirements.

Officials will continue to monitor water supplies and lake levels. Further restrictions have not been ruled out.

Stage 3 water restrictions went into effect in Chilliwack Wednesday (Jul. 19). Lawn sprinkling is permitted one day per week: Addresses ending with an even number can water on Wednesdays and those with an odd number can water on Thursdays. Sprinkling is only permitted between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.