Sprinkling Restrictions

Due to high peak demands in the summer, the AMWSC implements water restrictions each year. Watering restrictions will ensure that Abbotsford and Mission residents continue to have a high quality water supply capable of supporting a growing population.

Despite of sprinkling restrictions, peak day demands in 2007 and 2009 came very close to the limitations of the water distribution system. Accordingly, a complete watering ban was implemented in 2010. The AMWSC has since completed the rehabilitation of key supply wells and the installation of a new feed line to the Maclure Reservoir to improve supply capacity. This, together with a supply increase of about 15% from the Bevan Wells (assuming senior government environmental approvals in June) will improve the capacity of the water system.

As such, twice-weekly morning watering will again be permitted in 201. That said, the AMWSC encourages residents to use water wisely this summer so that we have enough water to last through the dry summer months and.

For more information on the Abbotsford 2011 Water Shortage Response Plan, click here.

We are currently in Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Response Plan.

Stage 1:
No sprinkling restrictions October 1 to April 30.

Stage 2:
Twice-Weekly Sprinkling.
May 1 to September 30.

OR as determined by the General Manager of Engineering & 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

Garden irrigation, watering of flowers, shrubs and vegetables may be carried out using a hand–held wand, a hose with a spring-loaded shut-off device or a sprinkler
Car washing on grass or gravel areas may be carried out using a hand-held wand or hose equipped with a spring-loaded shut off device
Where a lawn was newly seeded or sodded, property owners may obtain a New Lawn Permit from the Engineering Department

New lawn permit (May, June, September & October): $50 – daily watering permitted 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. only, for a two week period.

New lawn permit (July, August): $100 – daily watering permitted 5:00a.m. – 8:00a.m. only, for a two week period.

Stage 3:
Total Lawn Sprinkling Ban
As determined by the General Manager of Engineering & Regional Utilities

lawn sprinkling prohibited;
hosing of outdoor surfaces prohibited;
spring-loaded shut-off on all hoses;
garden watering by hand-held hose or container only;
non re-circulating fountains turned off;
wading pools filled only when required;
curtail street flushing;
no hydrant use permits issued; and
new lawn permits not available.

Stage 4:
Emergency Water Use Only.

In the event of a violation, the owner or occupant may receive a fine of $100 or have their water service disconnected.