Metro Vancouver posts weekly storage levels for the Seymour, Capilano, and Coquitlam reservoirs from May to October. Metro Vancouver’s water storage is also critical for supporting fish habitats. Flows of water, called environmental flows, are released into the streams and rivers to maintain a healthy aquatic habitat for fish.
In the summer and early fall, our water use can increase by 50 per cent, largely due to lawn watering and increased outdoor use. This increased regional water demand, combined with changes to snowpack and warmer annual temperatures due to climate change, puts a strain on the existing water supply.
As of the week of October 7, the water storage levels are slightly lower this year compared to previous years because Metro Vancouver released water from the Capilano Reservoir to lower its level to facilitate scheduled dam maintenance work.
Regional water demand
The average daily water use in the Metro Vancouver region is 1 billion litres — enough to fill BC Place. In the winter and spring, rain and snowmelt fill the reservoirs. During the summer when rainfall is lower, our reservoir water levels drop and with it, our drinking water supply. During the hot, dry summer, our water use increases to more than 1.5 billion litres per day — mainly due to outdoor use.
March 11, 2024
Billions Litres Used
Water use is highest in the summer
During the hottest time of year, when rainfall is at its lowest, we use a lot of water outdoors. And most of it is on our lawns. Reduce your outdoor water use with these conservation tips and keep our drinking water for where it’s needed most — drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Lawn Care Tips
