(1-7'L1IMis sion Water & Sewer Services

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Georgia Neal
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1 : Abbotsford (1-7'L1IMis sion Water & Sewer Services REPORT To: From: Date: Subject: File: Report No.: Attachments: Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission (WSC) Karl Filiatrault, Senior Engineer, Water Utilities and Solid Waste February 6, Sprinkling Restrictions WSC Appendix A - Water Shortage Response Plan RECOMMENDATIONS 1. THAT Report No. WSC , dated February 13, 2014, from Senior Engineer, Water Utilities and Solid Waste, regarding the 2014 Sprinkling Restrictions, be received; and 2. THAT the Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission recommend to Abbotsford and Mission Councils that Stage 2 twice-weekly, morning only, lawn sprinkling restrictions be implemented for July and August PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to seek approval for 2014 Sprinkling Restrictions. BACKGROUND Warm summer weather increases user demand on water supply systems typically resulting in "peak days" when daily demand reaches its annual maximum. Peak days, or groups of peak days, can potentially create situations where there is not enough water available for fire protection, users experience low pressure or in extreme cases, areas run short of water. Water system infrastructure is designed to meet peak days; however, this infrastructure is expensive and often has environmental impacts to water tables and streams. Conservation measures reduce peak day demands, thereby minimizing infrastructure while ensuring water system capacity is adequate to meet all needs. Summer sprinkling restrictions are one of many water conservation measures used to reduce demands and have been utilized in Abbotsford and Mission since 1995.

2 WSC Report No Page 2 of 3 DISCUSSION I ANALYSIS Sprinkling restrictions and favourable weather conditions helped to reduce peak demand the past few years; however, the significant reduction in average daily demands is more of a reflection of the success of the conservation program. It is not expected that the potential peaks of will return until average day demand approaches the previous levels in excess of 75 MLD. Last year, given the reduction in demands it was recommended that Stage 2 (Appendix A) sprinkling restrictions be modified to be in force during July and August only rather than May to September. These restrictions are for lawn sprinkling only and do not apply to planters or gardens. Although watering a lawn for two hours twice per week is adequate, some residents find this problematic. Education in the use of timers and lawn maintenance, as well as irrigation and landscape assessments have helped the past few years and will continue this year. In 2013, the Water Conservation Program Coordinator did not receive any complaints about the restrictions from Abbotsford residents. Mornings only are chosen so Maciure Reservoir has time to refill overnight. Watering, in addition to high demands in the evening can affect reservoir levels. Reservoir levels need to be maintained in order to meet peak water flows and to have adequate firefighting capacity. Recent research also supports watering when the temperature is on the rise in the morning rather than the evening when plants transpire (put moisture back into the atmosphere). This information was recently provided to staff by Brian Minter. Peak day and average day demand increased slightly last year from 2011 and 2012; however, it should be manageable to remain with the current restrictions. Cannell is now fully recharged, but staff will still continue to watch the lake level through the spring and summer. In addition, as indicated in Report No. WSC staff will develop a revised water system operational philosophy this year that focuses on the AMWSC's ability to meet demands during a three month Norrish supply outage during the summer months. This will require more reliance on the wells. Sprinkling restrictions are used in one form or another throughout the Lower Mainland and are an accepted method of reducing water use. Without restrictions, customers tend to over-water which can actually damage plants and lawns. For most residential customers, the allotted sprinkling times are adequate to maintain a healthy lawn. The AMWSC is in communication with the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) to extend the operating certificate for Bevan Wells. When considering the application, the EAO will review the programs we have in place to reduce water use. Relaxing restrictions further would not be viewed favorably by the EAO in the application process. It could cause delay in the application or result in additional restrictions or requirements in the operating certificate conditions. It is therefore, recommended we continue with the same program as last year. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There is a $10,000 budget for 2014 sprinkling re ricti J S adg- 'sing and uc.ati t n. "\\ \ It 0 '\JU)J l;. '. Rewewed and approved by the: Chief Financial Officer

3 WSC Report No Page 3 of 3 COMMUNICATION PLAN Sprinkling restrictions and the irrigation and landscape assessments wil l be advertised on Our Water Matters website, in utility bills in Abbotsford and the newspaper in Mission. The focus will be to encourage waterwise gardening and efficient outdoor watering practises. This will aid in reducing the peak water demands associated with outdoor summer water use. SUMMARY Due to the observed decrease in peak and average day demands over the last several years, it is recommended that Sta ice-weekly, morning only, lawn sprinkling be in force for July and August only in 201. sa during the seasonal period will be monitored and additional restrictions can put in ce if necessary. Jim Gordon, P. General Mana Utilities AWrb g. r of Engineering & Regional

4 '! rr > J Abbotsford Mission \'V'a ter & Sewer Services Water Shortage Response Plan Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission STAGE 1: No sprinkling restrictions September 1 to June 30 STAGE 2: Twice-Weekly Lawn Sprinkling July 1 to August 31 OR as directed by the General Manager, Engineering and Regional Utilities Even numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. ONLY Odd numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. ONLY STAGE 3: Lawn Sprinkling Prohibited i) When the Dickson Lake Drought Management Plan Criteria is not met; ii) When the Maclure Reservoir recharge fails to achieve a level of 3.75 metres by 5:00 a.m. on two consecutive days; or iii) As directed by the General Manager, Engineering and Regional Utilities STAGE 4: Emergency Water Use Only Revised: May 8, 2013

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5 ' I s: Abbotsford rr w Mission \\ l ll r &. lw... l L'I \'I(l " Water Shortage Response Plan Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission _ : Acceptable : Restricted _ : Prohibited Note: These restrictions apply only to the use of treated drinking water. The water shortage response plan does not apply to the use of rainwater, private well water or any forms of recycled water. Activity WSRP Stages Restriction Details RESIDENTIAL Lawn New Unestablished Lawns Stage 2: Even addresses Wednesday and Saturday, odd addresses Thursday and Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Stage 3 Lawn sprinkling prohibited or as directed by the General Manager, Engineering and Regional Utilities. Stage 4: All forms of lawn watering using treated dri i water are Stage 2: With the purchase of a New Lawn Sprinkling Permit watering can commence from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily for a two week period. Stage 3: New Lawn Sprinkling Permits will not be issued or renewed, existing permits will be honored until they expire and all permits will expire. 4: All forms of lawn watering using treated water are 2-3: ng Water Features Re-Circulating Fountains and Revised: May 8, 2013

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6 SF' Abbotsford rr L1 Mission \\ Itl r '-\.:. l \,"cr l'"1 \ ict " Water Shortage Response Plan Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission Stage 4: Use of treated drinking water at the discretion of the City. Commercial Flower & Vegetable Farms within the Urban Development Stage 3: Limit use to minimum necessary levels. Stage 4: Use of treated drinking water at the discretion of the City. green areas rway watering should be minimized with a maximum of four days a week. Stage 4: Use of treated drinking water at the discretion of the City. Commercial Impermeable Surface Washing I i required to maintain the areas in a useable condition, or to I with health and I i Stage 2-3: Must use hand-held container or hose equipped with a spring loaded shut off device. Stage 4: All forms of impermeable surface washing are prohibited unless required to comply with health and Fields School & Community Sports Fields Fields School & Community Sports Fields Exceptions and Trees Boulevards and Median Landscaped Beds and SPORTS FIELDS. LANDSCAPED BEDS AND LAWNS Stage 2: Sand-based fields may be watered daily and soil-based on alternate days. Stage 3: Sand-based fields may be watered on alternate days and soil-based twice a week. 'Fields will be monitored throughout the summer and watering levels will be adjusted accordingly to keep the areas in a useable condition. Stage 4: Use of treated drinking water is at the discretion of the may at any i following conditions apply: i) the field was constructed or installed within the past 12 months; ii) the field is at the time of watering undergoing renovation or repair but only in the areas that are being renovated or repaired ; iii) the community sports field is located at Bateman, Delair, Ellwood or Mill Lake Parks; or iv) the field is irrigated with water that is not from the municipal water system. Stage 4: Use of treated drinking water is at the Stage 2-3: Watering using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a spring loaded shut off device or sprinkler is acceptable. Stage 4: All forms of lawn watering using treated drinking water are prohibited. Revised: May 8, 2013

7 Abbotsford r;-4l1 : Mission Water Shortage Response Plan \\,, :e" '::;l '''I Senile ' Abbotsford Mission Water & Sewer Commission Lawns Passive Park Lawn Areas, Boulevards and ---'--'--;r-- to go dormant during restrictions. ensure water MISSION SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY FIELDS Exceptions for sand-based fields may be made by the Engineer where there is a high risk of significant and costly damage to the field if watering is stopped. Sand-based fields and soilbased fields that require watering are: Albert McMahon Elementary School, Hatzic Park, Heritage Park Senior Secondary, Windebank Elementary, Hatzic Senior Secondary, Mission Senior Secondary and Mission Sports Park and Leisure Centre. Revised: May 8, 2013

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8 KWL Fig Spillway El m "-- V 637 I No V - I "':; 0.;;"'. 'y' rc ;; W... so...,., VOl)'o.,.,, "- J "-"-,..._...'SA, 0- i'i_ '...,.,., - _ s..-i'l "" w"...c s...,f.l 4 W... -c...;. n.j 623 "" I Limit A 51 Mie, ";', M :, 1 A 1 Jl i'--- Ie 1 Summ.. Criti At SI 1 "'" i'--- '" "'" Wim. ;;,;" ""- ""- -"' V P'" "'"... " " Sf P 1 " ""' NOV 1 Of 1." Guide line for WSRP Designation Based on Dickson La k e Level Figure 4-1

Dean Piller, President BC Golf Superintendents Association. Dear Mr. Piller: Re: GVWD Water Shortage Response Plan

Water Services Department Tel. 604 432-6405 Fax 604 432-6297 March 31, 2014 File No: CR-14-01-MWC Dean Piller, President BC Golf Superintendents Association Via Email: Dear Mr. Piller: Re: GVWD