Metro Vancouver staff say pipeline delays, lack of snow and ‘Super El Ni\u00f1o’ threaten fire hydrant pressure, though backup systems exist<\/p>\n
A confluence of summer drought conditions and ongoing work on a major water pipeline could reduce water pressure around Metro Vancouver to the point first responders may struggle to fight fires.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to a staff report presented to the regional government\u2019s Water Committee Wednesday, May 13. Several directors, including \u200bMetro director and Coquitlam Coun. Craig Hodge, raised concerns that the situation could create a short-term crisis as the region\u2019s water demand usually spikes by 50 per cent in the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s basically the perfect storm,\u201d said Hodge.<\/p>\n
Mike Brannon, who directs operations and maintenance for Metro\u2019s Water Services division, said the province has warned B.C.\u2019s most populated urban area to prepare for drought conditions and a \u201csuper El Ni\u00f1o event\u201d this summer.<\/p>\n
Environment and Climate Change Canada\u2019s seasonal forecasts project higher than average temperatures and lower than average precipitation over the next three months. Environment Canada\u00a0forecasts that 2026 will by one of the hottest years on record.<\/p>\n
To complicate matters, Metro Vancouver is in the process of replacing a water pipeline that runs from the North Shore across Burred Inlet and under Stanley Park.<\/p>\n
Under construction since late 2024, the project has been delayed, in part because concrete encasing the nearly 100-year-old pipeline components was more difficult to demolish than originally thought, said Cheryl Nelms, general manager of project delivery.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are on three shifts with this project,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s night shifts and it\u2019s seven days a work.\u201d<\/p>\n
The region announced Stage 2 water restrictions May 1, when alpine snowpack sat at 44 per cent of its historical average. While reservoirs are now close to full, the current lack of snow leaves significantly less water to melt and refill them as they draw down.<\/p>\n
The staff report warns that higher water use can lead to pressure fluctuations that \u201cmay affect firefighting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cProtecting the system for essential and emergency needs is the priority,\u201d it notes.<\/p>\n
Dan Cochrane, acting assistant of chief of operations at Vancouver Fire and Rescue, said his department has not been warned that water pressure could suffer over the summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t heard nothing about that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n