The first stage of seasonal water restrictions is now underway in Abbotsford.
Updated guidelines recently approved by city council restrict lawn watering to once a week.
Residences with an even address are permitted to water their lawns on Saturday mornings, while odd addresses can do so on Sunday mornings.
Automatic watering is permitted from 5 to 7 a.m., and manual from 6 to 9 a.m.
Non-residences with an even address can water Monday mornings, while odd addresses can do so Tuesday mornings, with automatic watering permitted from 4 to 6 a.m. and manual from 6 to 9 a.m.
Watering of plants, trees and decorative gardens is permitted daily before 9 a.m. for all customers. Edible plants are exempt from restrictions under the first three stages.
The staged water restrictions have been separated into three customer categories – residential, industrial/commercial and institutional (government, schools and parks).
RELATED: Abbotsford council approves more-stringent water restrictions
The Abbotsford Mission Water and Sewer Commission says the new categories prioritize reductions in discretionary outdoor uses, such as lawn watering, and minimize impacts on businesses that rely on water.
The AMWSC says staff continually monitor water supplies and lake levels, as well as the provincial drought updates, to determine when further restrictions should be put in place.
Water restrictions have typically been in place from May 1 to Sept. 30 but the new guidelines allow them to occur outside of that time frame, depending on conditions such as provincial drought levels, water usage and forecasted trends.
There are four stages to local restrictions, which are tied to the level of Dickson Lake, the main source of drinking water for both Abbotsford and Mission.
The commission urges all customers to let their lawns go dormant and suggests year-round water conservation tips such as taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
Visit ourwatermatters.ca for for information, including a complete list of the updated staged water-use restrictions and schedules and updates.