Lawn Sprinkling FAQs
- What is the Water Shortage Response Plan?
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The City of Burnaby is part of the Metro Vancouver's Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP), put in place in 1993 to manage our drinking water during the summer months. In 2004, the WSRP was updated in response to summer droughts, and these changes are now being reflected in most municipal bylaws. In 2011, to further reduce the impacts of outdoor water use on Metro Vancouver's distribution system, the Water Shortage Response Plan was amended to restrict lawn sprinkling to mornings as this is when the least amount of water used on lawns will evaporate. If persistent drought conditions occur or there is sudden disruption in water supply from an unforeseen emergency, the WSRP could advance up to further restrictive measures, in which all watering and exterior washing is heavily restricted or banned.
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- Why do we need regulations?
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Greater Vancouver does receive a lot of rain - but most of it falls in autumn and winter. Much of the rainfall and snowmelt in the watersheds cannot be captured for later use when dry weather comes. Summer is when Greater Vancouver uses the most water (up to 60% more than the rest of the year), receives the least amount of rain and has the least amount of water in storage.
Sprinkling regulations provide a fair system for water use throughout the Lower Mainland, while controlling summer water demand. By taking measures to conserve water throughout the summer, we can also avoid more restrictive measures in the event of drought conditions.
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- How much water do Metro Vancouver residents use?
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Residential water use accounts for more than half of total regional water consumption. On average, residential consumption is about 350 litres (about 77 gallons) per person per day. On a hot summer day, outdoor watering of lawns and gardens can cause consumption to double.
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- When can I water my lawn?
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Lawn sprinkling regulations are in effect June 1 to September 30.
Under Stage One Restrictions:
Residential addresses (4 AM to 9 AM)- Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Non-residential addresses (1 AM to 6 AM)
- Even-numbered addresses: Monday and Wednesday
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Thursday Both Even and Odd addresses: Friday (4 AM to 9 AM)
Please see the full Water Shortage Response Plan for lawn sprinkling under other stages and water restrictions
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- I just installed a new lawn, can I water it outside my allowed days/times?
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The City of Burnaby’s Engineering Department sells lawn sprinkling permits for newly established lawns. Please contact the Engineering Department at 604-294-7460 for more information.
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- If there is a total sprinkling ban, will my lawn die?
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Your established lawn will go dormant and may turn brown during hot, dry spells. A good rainfall or cooler weather will help your lawn revive quickly. Watering lawns sparingly or not at all saves up to 17,000 litres per household over the summer months.
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- How do regulations apply to flower beds and gardens?
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In Stages 1 and 2 of the WSRP, gardens, shrubs, trees and flower beds can be watered at any time. Under Stage 3, watering of vegetation must be done by hand using containers or a hand-held hose equipped with a spring-loaded shut-off. Under Stage 4, all forms of watering using drinking water are prohibited. The City of Burnaby encourages t he use of rain barrels to help in garden irrigation. Residents can purchase rain barrels for $70 at the City's Recycling and Yard Waste Depot located at 4800 Still Creek Avenue.
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- What are some water-wise tips for the lawn?
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- Most lawns only need about 25 mm (1 inch) (depth of a tuna can) of water a week, which can easily be applied by sprinkling once a week. Over watering can promote lawn disease and leach nutrients from the soil
- Sprinkling early in the morning is best because less water is lost to evaporation
- Use low release or natural fertilizers for long-lasting benefits
- A healthy, vigorous lawn crowds out weeds and reduces pest damage
- Consider natural alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and insecticides (Refer to Burnaby's Let it Grow, Naturally! information guide on natural lawn care)
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- What are some water-wise tips for the garden?
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- Spread grass clippings or other mulch materials around the base of plants and shrubs. Applying organic matter (such as ground bark, sawdust or leaves) to soil increases its ability to hold water, and improves nutrient content. Mulch also prevents soil erosion and discourages the growth of weeds
- Plant waterwise plants. By reducing lawn area or by incorporating drought-tolerant plants that need less water, gardeners can help conserve water during hot, dry summer months. Small, thick, grey or fuzzy leaves are all indicators of drought-hardy plants
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- Do these restrictions apply to soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkler systems?
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Yes. Any sprinkler system that is being used to irrigate a residential or commercial lawn (other than those exempted) or flower and vegetable garden is subject to these restrictions.
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- Can my kids still play in the sprinkler?
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Yes, during allowed sprinkling days/hours. If you run your sprinkler outside allowable days/times, you could be subject to a $50 fine in Burnaby. For water activities for children, it is best to use a children’s play pool instead of a sprinkler. Water from the play pool can be used to water the lawn or garden areas after use.
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- What about my car or boat -- can I wash them?
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Under Stages 1 and 2 of the WSRP, vehicle washing is discouraged and must be done using a hand-held hose equipped with a spring-loaded shut-off (which saves up to 23 litres of water per minute). Using a bucket of water will also help to conserve water. Stages 3 and 4, the outdoor washing of vehicles is prohibited, except for safety (windows, lights and licenses only). Commercial car washes are also shut down in Stage 4. All vehicles should be washed on a gravel or grass surface to avoid soapy water from going down the storm sewer, which drain into local creeks. Allowing the hose to run continuously while you are washing your vehicle is not permitted.
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- Can I hose down my patio or other outdoor surface?
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Exterior washing of any surface is discouraged under Stage 1. Under stages 2 and 3 of the WSRP, outdoor surface washing is only permitted for health and safety reasons, or to prepare a surface for painting or similar treatment. Washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited under these stages. Under stage 4, all washing is prohibited. These restrictions also apply to private and commercial pressure washing, except if allowed by order of a regulatory authority for health and safety reasons.
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- Why are parks and playing fields under fewer restrictions?
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Under Stage 1, parks and playing fields may be sprinkled because these areas are often too large to be effectively irrigated within the allowed sprinkling times. Also, most playing fields are built on a sand base for better drainage. Turf grown on a sand base can die if not watered. Due to the high replacement costs of playing fields, the City of Burnaby believes it is a poor use of public money to let it die because of lack of watering. However, under Stages 2 and 3 of the WSRP, groundskeepers are required to use a minimum level of water to maintain these areas in a useable condition. Under Stage 4, all forms of watering using treated drinking water are prohibited.
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- Why are there other exemptions, such as for nurseries and Tree Farms?
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Sprinkling regulations are meant to reduce water use in ways that do not cause serious economic hardship. Those users requiring water as part of a commercial operation are expected to conserve as much water as possible without resulting in a loss of business. However, under Stage 4, all forms of watering using treated drinking water are prohibited.
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- Why don't we just build another dam?
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Using less water during this period of high water demand keeps taxes down by reducing or deferring system upgrades to the water supply infrastructure, including dams, pipes and pumping stations. Construction of a new dam is costly. By being water wise, we can get a better understanding of our real water needs and help plan for future water facilities in Greater Vancouver.
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- I pay taxes, so why can't I sprinkle my lawn whenever I want?
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Municipal water rates or fees range from about $110 to $230 a year per household, depending on where you live in Greater Vancouver. These are some of the lowest rates in any major urban centre in North America. The cost of building facilities so everyone can use all the water they want at any time would increase rates substantially. If we all use water efficiently, we can help keep costs down and Burnaby can spend tax dollars more efficiently.
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- Why doesn't every house have a water meter?
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This would be costly to implement and we are not yet certain if savings would outweigh the costs. A study to determine this is underway and will provide more information.
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- What is Metro Vancouver's role in Sprinkling Regulations?
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The Greater Vancouver Water District, a division of the Metro Vancouver, supplies drinking water to 18 Lower Mainland municipalities. It coordinates sprinkling regulations to ensure consistency and a sufficient supply of water.
The legal authority for the regulations is retained within Waterworks Bylaw.
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- In what other ways can I reduce water consumption?
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Simply by trying to use less water, you will contribute to the water conservation solution. There are many strategies that can reduce consumption. Here are just a few:
- Purchase a rain barrel or water conservation kit from the City of Burnaby
- A springloaded garden hose nozzles save 23 litres per minute
- Full loads and shorter cycles in the laundry room save 95 litres per load
- Low-flow toilets save six to 14 litres per flush
- Toilet inserts save up to 100 litres per day
- Aerator and flow restrictors on the kitchen tap save up to 20 litres
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- Where else can I get information on watering restrictions?
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City of Burnaby Engineering Department 604-294-7460
engineering@burnaby.caMetro Vancouver Information Centre
Phone: 604-432-6200
www.metrovancouver.orgRecycling Council of BC
Phone (lower mainland): 604-732-9253
Phone: (throughout BC) 1-800-667-4321
www.rcbc.bc.ca
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