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Metro Vancouver water reservoirs in ‘good shape’

Reserves sitting at 70-per-cent full, officials said, despite long stretch without major rain
13160290_web1_Reservoir-watershed

Metro Vancouver’s water reservoirs are sitting at average levels compared to years past, despite more than a month without substantial rain.

Andrew de Boer, the regional district’s water treatment operations manager, said Friday the three reservoirs in Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam are sitting at a combined total of 70-per-cent full.

“That’s normal range of storage for this time of year,” de Boer said.

High snowpack levels from January to March set a good base for the dry summer weather, he said, but water consumption has also been in a downwards trend in recent years.

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Since May 1, residents in Metro Vancouver have been under Stage 1 watering restrictions, which are expected to last until mid-October. Residents are allowed to water their yard twice a week.

Although Environment Canada calls for the hot weather to continue, de Boer said officials aren’t looking at increasing restrictions to Stage 2 at this time.

He still urged people to keep doing what they can to keep a handle on water use.

“This water is very precious,” he said.


@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca

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About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
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