Twin piques: water & wildfires
Eagle Lake from Eagle Bluffs
Water, water everywhere?
Water is a precious resource often taken for granted. With abundant winter rainfall, water conservation may not be at the top of most people's minds for much of the year. But with climate change and varying winter weather patterns, the North Shore mountains now receive less snow, leading to a smaller snowpack. On top of this, we are experiencing hotter, drier summers, leading to earlier snowmelt in our watershed. The combination impacts our water supply which may not be able to meet our summer water needs.
The municipality supplies drinking water from three sources—two are owned and operated by the district, and the third is via a bulk water connection to Metro Vancouver. Our primary supply, Eagle Lake, has been used as for water since the 1920s. Almost half of our drinking water comes from there.
The district implements stringent regulations from May 1st to October 15th to preserve drinking water. These restrict when and how residents can water lawns and gardens. Besides these restrictions on outside water usage, small changes in our daily habits can make a big difference in conserving water and saving money at the same time. Here are a few tips:
Don’t water your lawn - it will revive in the fall, and you can take a welcome break from mowing ; )
Fix leaking, dripping taps and toilets
Install low flow shower heads, take shorter showers (not baths!)
Practice water-saving habits, such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth or shaving
Harvest rainwater for watering plants and cleaning cars
Select water-efficient dishwashers and laundry machines
Choose drought-resistant plants
Be mindful of your water usage in general
Watch for wildfires
No less of a threat is the increasing risk of wildfires—too often caused by humans—especially during long, dry summers. The District of West Vancouver’s stringent fire regulations aim to prevent or contain wildfires:
Briquette or charcoal barbeques are banned in all parks
Take extreme care in parks and wooded areas
No beach or park fires
No smoking or vaping in all parks and beaches
No outdoor wood-burning ovens, outdoor wood-burning fireplaces, wood-burning fire bowls, in-ground firepits or chimneys
Lighthouse Park is fire-free at all times
On your property, feel free to use:
Gas fire pit/tables (portable or plumbed)
Charcoal fire pit/tables
Propane and charcoal barbecues
Citronella garden torches
If you see a fire, call 9-1-1 immediately, and if you see any unsafe fire activities, please call 604-543-6700
If we all do our best to save water and prevent wildfires, we can look forward to a long, safe summer in West Van.
Thanks for helping out, Positive Voices
