Water Sprinkling Regulations
June 1 to September 30
From June 1 to September 30 sprinkling of lawns at times other than those listed below is prohibited. These measures are being taken to conserve our water resource so adequate amounts of water are available for all purposes. Any complaints received, or observed violations, may result in fines imposed under Surrey By-law No. 12508.
When you may sprinkle your lawn:
DAYS:
EVEN numbered addresses may sprinkle on Wednesdays and Saturdays
ODD numbered addresses may sprinkle on Thursdays and Sundays
TIME: (on permitted days)
4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Most lawns only need about 2.5 centimeters of water per week (depth of a tuna can). This amount can easily be applied by sprinkling once a week.
When hosing or pressure washing outdoor surfaces, or washing boats or motor vehicles, water hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
1. Remember to adjust your automatic irrigation systems. To minimize peak period water demands, we recommend irrigation system operation, on one of your permitted days, between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m.
2. Multi unit developments are permitted to sprinkle according to the development address, not the individual unit numbers.
3. New sod or seeded lawns (installed within the last three weeks with proof of installationdate – invoice or delivery slip), may be watered more frequently provided that a permit is first obtained by applying in person with the Engineering Department, Main Floor, City Hall. Permits are valid for 21 days at a cost of $30.
4. Watering of flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetable gardens is not affected by the regulations during this stage of the restrictions. To conserve water, consider using a watering can or a hose with a spring loaded or other automatic shut-off nozzle, and water in the morning.
The above regulations are to remain in effect until further notice. Your cooperation will help save water and reduce the risk of more severe restrictions.
For more information, please call City of Surrey, Engineering Reception, at (604) 591-4340.
USE WATER WISELY. IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.
History of Lawn Sprinkling Regulations
In 1992, low rainfall and snow pack accumulation during the winter and spring significantly reduced water levels in the GVRD's three main reservoirs. During the summer months, unusually warm weather created a much higher water consumption rate, further lowering water levels. The solution to the crisis necessitated a 10 week ban on all lawn and garden sprinkling.
In the summer of 1993, regular twice weekly lawn sprinkling regulations were imposed by the Greater Vancouver Water District's (GVWD) member municipalities. Twice weekly lawn sprinkling regulations have become a permanent fixture in the region each summer between June 1st and September 30th. These regulations keep the rate of water consumption evenly distributed lowering the risk of reservoir levels being depleted too quickly.
Did you know that watering your lawn for one hour uses about as much water as 5 dishwasher loads, 5 loads of laundry AND 25 flushes of the toilet (1,500 litres in total)?
How Can You Make a Difference?
Check for leaks
While you are carefully watching your water usage, it is important to make sure that water is not slipping away due to undetected leaks in your system.
1. The toilet is a common source of unnoticed leaks. Undetected, hundreds of litres of water can be wasted each day. Leaks often occur when component parts are worn and need replacing or adjusting. Here are a few simple tips to tell if your toilet is leaking:
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Listen for leaks. If you hear the sound of running water, your toilet is leaking.
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Add food colouring or dye to the toilet tank and wait 20 minutes. If coloured water appears in the toilet bowl, a leak is present. Toilet leaks are not hard to fix. Simply ask for advice at your local hardware store or call a plumber.
2. Remember to check all faucets and pipes periodically. Watch for drips, and quickly replace faulty parts. A leaking faucet can waste as much drinking water in a single day as the amount required to sustain one person for an entire week.
3. Electronic sensory devices can be purchased and placed under major household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, to alert you as soon as water starts to collect underneath.
