Press Releases

Chilliwack, BC: The City of Chilliwack has adjusted their annual summer watering restrictions to begin May 1 instead of June 1, to proactively conserve water for the dry summer months. Restrictions will remain in effect until October 15. The City has also updated its water conservation plan from a five-stage system to a four-stage system, to align with other municipalities in the region. Moving forward, annual summer water restrictions that begin on May 1 will be considered stage 1 watering restrictions.

Lawn watering accounts for approximately 30% of Chilliwack’s summer water consumption. In stage 1 watering restrictions, residents with even numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 5-8 am or 7-10 pm, and residents with odd addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may water on Thursdays and Sundays, also between 5-8 am or 7-10 pm.

While conserving water this summer, Chilliwack residents are also invited to participate in the Good as Gold lawn contest for a chance to win prizes. To participate, residents should submit photos of their maintained, but not watered (dormant), gold lawns to [email protected] between May 1 and October 15. Additional photos of water conservation initiatives in the yard like vegetable gardens, rain barrels, or rock gardens can also be sent in for more chances to win.

“Most lawns only need an inch of water per week, so starting summer water restrictions in May instead of June is one simple step we all can take to conserve our water supply early,” said Mayor Popove. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the gold lawns around the city as residents conserve water and participate in our Good as Gold contest this year!”

The City offers a number of programs to support residential water conservation, including a Rain Barrel Rebate Program, a Toilet Rebate Program, and the option to purchase outdoor water conservation kits from City Hall. Residents can learn more about any of these programs by visiting chilliwack.com/water.

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the City’s website and social media for any changes to the water conservation stages. Photos for the Good as Gold Contest will be accepted until October 15, 2024. For full contest details and more information about summer watering restrictions, visit chilliwack.com/water.