Abbotsford and Mission’s water restrictions follow four stages, which are tied to various factors.
FAQs: Water Restrictions and Conservation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 604-820-3761 or email pworksadmin@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
In townhouses and other complexes, you determine your watering day based on your complex address number and not your unit number.
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.
An inexpensive timer can be purchased at City Hall to use on your sprinkler which will turn off your sprinkler when you are gone.
Current Stage 1 Water Restrictions FAQs
During Stage 1 restrictions, lawn watering is permitted once a week. For residential properties, even addresses are permitted to water on Saturday mornings, and odd addresses are permitted to water on Sunday mornings. Automatic watering is permitted from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, while manual watering is permitted from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Industrial/commercial/institutional properties are also permitted to lawn water once a week during Stage 1. Even addresses are permitted to water on Monday mornings, while odd addresses are permitted to water on Tuesday mornings. Automatic watering is permitted from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM, and manual watering is permitted from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Mixed-use buildings should follow industrial and commercial watering times.
Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers (excluding edible plants) with a sprinkler or soaker hose is restricted to 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM on any given day during Stages 1 and 2. Hand watering these species with an automatic shut-off device, drip/micro spray irrigation, and a container is permitted at any time on any day.
A permit may be obtained from the Engineering Department to allow automatic watering for 14 consecutive days during Stage 1. The permit fee is $50 if obtained in May, June, September or October. If obtained in July or August, the permit fee is $100. If the permit is being obtained to treat lawns for the European Chafer Beetle, the permit will be issued free of charge as long as residents provide proof of purchase for treatment supplies. From Stage 2 and onwards, no new permits will be issued however, existing permits will be honoured until they expire.
Yes, during Stages 1 and 2 you may wash your vehicle or boat anytime using a hand-held container or hose equipped with an automatic shut-off device, preferably on grass or gravel areas and at car dealerships or commercial car washes.
Yes, impermeable surface washing is permitted during Stage 1, but use no more water than necessary to complete the task. The hose must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device. Cleaning hard surfaces and driveways with a broom is the most water efficient method.
Yes, during Stage 1 water may be used to fill and top up pools/hot tubs and water features. It is strongly recommended to use covers to reduce water loss through evaporation.