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Water Restrictions and Conservation

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Water is a Precious Commodity

We owe it to ourselves to use this resource wisely and to minimize waste. Due to high peak water demands in the summer, water restrictions are implemented each year. Watering restrictions will ensure that Mission residents continue to have a high quality water supply capable of supporting a growing population.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions in Effect

Updated: August 4, 2023

Due to high peak water demands in the summer, the Abbotsford/Mission Water Sewer Commission implements water restrictions each year. Watering restrictions will ensure that Abbotsford and Mission residents continue to have a high quality water supply capable of supporting a growing population.

Resources

Visit OurWaterMatters to  learn how to save water & save money!

Tips for Saving Water Indoors
  1. Consider taking advantage of one of our rebate programs.
  2. Install water saving shower heads and save up to 10 litres per minute.
  3. Take the 5 minute challenge. Can you shower in 5 minutes (or less)? Every minute you reduce your shower time saves 10 to 20 litres.
  4. Don’t run the water when you brush teeth, shave, wash dishes or clean vegetables. This will save 5 to 50 litres per day.
  5. Repair leaking toilets, you can reduce unnecessary water use up to 100 litres per day.
  6. Use the waste paper basket instead of the toilet for tissues, dental floss and other trash.
  7. Use dishwasher and washing machines only for full loads and save 40 to 150 litres per load.
  8. Fix leaky taps because 1 drop per second equals 32 litres per day.
Tips for Saving Water Outdoors
  1. Water less often. Frequent watering will cause shallow roots that dry out easily. Start out watering deeply once a week (to a depth of 1 inch or 2.5 cm) and water more often only as necessary when hot summer days arrive. Remember to abide by the Sprinkling Restrictions.
  2. Give your sprinkler a spring break. Delay regular lawn watering in the early spring and you will encourage deeper rooting and a healthier lawn.
  3. Position sprinklers so that they water only the areas that need it.
  4. Water only during the cool parts of the day, preferably early morning.
  5. Turn your automatic sprinkler system off when it rains and reset the time afterwards.
  6. Avoid watering on windy days.
  7. Let it grow longer. Raise the height of the cut on your mower to 2-3 inches. Taller grass shades and cools the soil and tall grass grows at a slower rate, so it won’t need to be mowed as often.
  8. Aerate your lawn to allow air, water and fertilizer to reach the roots.
  9. Minimize lawn area. Consider replacing turf with ornamental grasses or other ground cover.
  10. Use low water consuming trees, shrubs and flowers and group them according to their water needs.
  11. Consider drip irrigation for individual shrubs or plants particularly hanging bassets.
  12. Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
  13. Use a broom, not a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
  14. Use a spring loaded nose shut off on your hose or ensure you shut the nozzle off each time. Hoses without shut offs can waste 20 litres or more per minute.