Surrey, B.C.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0On Monday, Council amended Surrey\u2019s Drinking Water Conservation Plan bylaw to provide greater flexibility in implementing water conservation measures while continuing to balance community needs and conditions. The updates\u00a0maintain\u00a0alignment with the Greater Vancouver Water District\u2019s regional water conservation framework, while allowing the\u00a0City\u00a0to better respond to local circumstances during periods of\u00a0high-water\u00a0demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, Stage 2 water restrictions were implemented earlier than usual across the region, and we heard from residents and business owners about the importance of flexibility in balancing water conservation with public activities during the early summer,\u201d Mayor Brenda Locke said. \u201cThis update ensures we can continue to manage water responsibly while taking local circumstances into account.\u201d<\/p>\n
Key bylaw updates\u00a0include:<\/p>\n
Expanding residential lawn-watering hours under Stage 1 from 5 to 7am to 5 to 8amAllowing\u00a0special sprinkling permits during Stage 2, with\u00a0extensions\u00a0permitted\u00a0in\u00a0Stage 3\u00a0Allowing filling and topping up of small residential pools (\u22645,000 litres) during Stage 3\u00a0\u00a0Maintaining\u00a0access to cooling measures, including spray parks, misting stations, and municipal pools\u00a0at all stages\u00a0Clarifying exceptions for municipal operations and construction activity\u00a0during Stages 1, 2, 3\u00a0<\/p>\n
The updated bylaw clarifies that the City has the authority to activate water restriction stages to reflect local conditions.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0City\u00a0will\u00a0continue to keep residents and businesses informed about\u00a0watering restrictions. If\u00a0Surrey\u2019s\u00a0restrictions\u00a0differ from\u00a0regional measures, the City will share\u00a0additional\u00a0updates,\u00a0so people know what rules apply.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Residents and businesses\u00a0found in violation of the restrictions will receive warnings. Repeat or serious offenders will be issued\u00a0fines\u00a0in accordance with\u00a0established bylaw procedures\u00a0to ensure water\u00a0is preserved\u00a0for essential\u00a0uses, including firefighting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Learn more about\u00a0the water restrictions in Surrey\u00a0at surrey.ca\/sprinkling<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n