Water Restrictions FAQs

FAQs: Water Restrictions and Conservation

• Who is affected by the watering restrictions?

  All Abbotsford and Mission residents and businesses receiving water from the municipal system, including City operations, must comply with watering restrictions according to the bylaw. Residents supplied by private wells and residents of the Clearbrook Waterworks District are exempt.

• Why are watering restrictions so important?

  Due to high peak water demands in the summer, the AMWSC implements water restrictions each year. Water restrictions are based on several considerations snowpack; current and forecasted available supply – Dickson Lake level, Cannell Lake level, and the Abbotsford-Sumas aquifer levels; antecedent weather and soil conditions, precipitation and temperature forecast, extreme heat warnings; Norrish Creek flows; Provincial drought levels; recent water consumption and forecasted trends; customer compliance with restrictions; and any other factor  the Engineer considers to be relevant for making a determination.

  Water restrictions help ensure that Abbotsford and Mission residents continue to have a high quality water supply capable of supporting a growing population.

• If we are experiencing outdoor water restrictions, is our drinking water safe?

  Yes, the treated water from your tap is as safe to drink as usual. When a water shortage is announced, we are experiencing difficulties producing the volume of water necessary to meet all of Abbotsford and Mission needs. It does not indicate that your water quality has deteriorated in any way.

• During what months are the watering restrictions in effect?

  Water restrictions commence on May 1 every year. Restrictions typically end at the start of fall, depending on several factors including weather and drought conditions, supply availability, and snow pack. When restrictions end, an announcement will be made on the website as well as the City’s social media pages.

• How are watering restrictions enforced?

  The first instance of non-compliance is met with a warning notice that contains educational content about what is limited and prohibited during water restrictions. A second instance of non-compliance may result in a fine. The fines are as follows:

  Non-Compliance	Abbotsford	Mission
  Stage One	$500	$250
  Stage Two	$500	$250
  Stage Three	$500	$500
  Stage Four	$500	$500

  Please Note: Fines for all stages of water restrictions follow the City of Abbotsford Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw General Penalty: $500 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by bylaw notice.

• Who do I call if my neighbour is not complying with watering restrictions?

  If you know your neighbour you may first want to ensure they are aware of the waterrestrictions. Otherwise, call 604-864-5514 in Abbotsford or email waterrestrictions@abbotsford.ca and in Mission call 604-814-1284 or email waterconservation@mission.ca. When reporting non-compliance, please include the following information:

  • Address – where the violation has taken place
  • Date(s) and time(s) of the observed violation
  • Location of watering (e.g. front lawn)
  • Device used (e.g. auto sprinkler)
  • Your name and contact details
• I live in a townhouse, what days am I permitted to water?

  In townhouses and other complexes, you determine your watering day based on your complex address number and not your unit number.

• Are residents who are away on their assigned watering day able to water their lawns on an alternate day?

  No, residents are only allowed to water according to the assigned day of their municipal address. The alternative is to hire a contractor or ask a friend or neighbour to water their lawn for them during the approved times.

• I leave for work early and won't be able to water. What can I do?

  An inexpensive timer can be purchased at City Hall to use on your sprinkler which will turn off your sprinkler when you are gone.