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Lawn sprinkling ban begins in Abbotsford and Mission on Friday

Staff will enforce watering restrictions for duration of ban
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Abbotsford and Mission will introduce a ban on lawn sprinkling.

Watering lawns will be prohibited in Abbotsford and Mission starting on Friday, as Stage 3 water restrictions are put in place.

Abbotsford city staff said on Monday that as the weather is expected to continue to be dry and hot, it is time to introduce greater restrictions.

Currently, under Stage 2 restrictions, residents can water their lawns twice a week.

Stage 3 brings a complete ban on all lawn sprinkling; no new lawn sprinkling permits will be issued; and non-re-circulating fountains will be prohibited. Residents can still hand water flower and vegetable gardens.

Abbotsford and Mission get most of their water from Norrish Creek in Mission. The system is supplemented by Cannell and Dickson lakes in Mission. The communities are concerned about the ability of Dickson Lake to refill if the water levels are drawn down too far this year, and there is below average rainfall in the winter and spring.

The lake is currently at a historically low level and with the hot weather, average daily water demand has gone up 25 per cent for the month of June compared to last year.

City staff will be patrolling and trying to educate the public about water reduction. If they see people still watering they will receive a warning, and after there will be a ticket.

Parks staff in both communities will not be watering passive areas in city parks, but will water sand-based sports fields in order to maintain their playability in the fall and winter.

For more information on water conservation practices in Abbotsford and Mission visit www.ourwatermatters.ca or call 604-557-4423.