The Pemberton Creek Aquifer is unconfined and primarily recharged via Pemberton Creek at a rate of approximately 30 L/s. Presently, during summer months, water is consumed at a faster rate than the aquifer’s recharge rate. When water use tapers off in the winter, the aquifer generally recovers, and the average daily demand (ADD) is approximately 21 L/s over the entire year.

To prolong the lifespan of existing infrastructure, and delay any future capacity upgrade requirements, it is critical to manage this usage very closely.

On average, Pemberton residents use 518 L per person per day. The Canadian average is 411L per person per day (overall) and 215 L per person per day (residential) (2019 Stats Canada). Canada is considered one of the world's largest per capita users of fresh water in the world, and in summer months, Pemberton’s usage exceeds four times our national average.

But we are surrounded by water! Why do we need water restrictions?

Not only is the Village’s water capacity limited by the aquifer recharge rate, but also by the various processes involved in getting water to taps. Large well pumps extract water at a finite rate, the water is treated with multiple methods requiring more equipment and pumps, and finally it is stored in our water reservoirs to be distributed throughout the Village.

The reservoirs are kept filled to a certain level to ensure adequate fire protection flow demands are met. All these factors contribute to the limitations of the water system and the necessity to conserve water, especially in the summer months.

Here are some interesting facts about water consumption and some quick and inexpensive ways to reduce water use in your home.

Did you know? If an average sized lawn in Pemberton is watered for 20 minutes a day, for 7 days straight, this is equivalent to running a shower for 4 days continuously, or one year’s worth of showers (800 x 5 minute showers).

• Tip: Lawn’s typically require 2.5 cm of water per week. Place a container on your lawn while watering and time how long it takes to accumulate 2.5 cm. Install and set a timer to ensure you don’t over water.

Did you know? Up to 50% of outdoor water use (ie. irrigation) is lost to evaporation, wind, and/or run-off. As much as 10,000L can be wasted in this way over 1 year. This is equivalent to flushing a toilet 770 times.

• Tip: Ensure your sprinklers are not watering the sidewalk or road, and water your lawn when it is cool and there is no wind.

Did you know? An average household can waste 680 L per week just from household leaks. That is equivalent to running 300 loads of laundry.

• Tip: A dripping tap or hose might seem like nothing, but the waste can be substantial. Check for leaks and when noted, fix them immediately.

Did you know? A leaking Toilet valve can waste up to 4000L per month. That is equivalent to 14 full bathtubs.

• Tip: You can check for a leaking toilet valve by dropping some food colouring in the cistern of your toilet. If the colour appears in the toilet without flushing, you have a leak. Toilet flapper valves are easy to replace, and readily available at most hardware stores.

Did you know? Letting the faucet run for 5 minutes (while shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing the dishes) can waste up to 40L. This is enough to fill 2 water cooler bottles every time.

• Tip: Dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing dishes, as long as they are full when run. Remember to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

More tips

• Install high-efficiency toilets with a flush volume of 4.8 litres or less (toilets use more water than anything else in your home).
• Replace showerheads with low-flow models. 
• Fill the tub to only halfway when bathing the kids.
• Install 3.8 LPM faucet aerators on all bathroom sink faucets. 
• Replace your old dishwasher with a newer, low water use dishwasher (newer models will save on your energy bill as well).
• Use your dishwasher only when you have a full load or run it on a shorter cycle if you must run it when not completely full.
• Scrape, do not rinse the food off dishes.
• Place vegetables and fruit in a partially filled sink or pot, then rinse them quickly.
• Replace your old washer with a newer, low water use washer (like dishwashers, newer models will also save you on energy bills).
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Set the water-level appropriately if you must wash a small load of laundry.
• Service and repair your furnace humidifier if the drainage is leaking or if the water drains out of the line while the humidifier isn't running.

Even addresses water on even calendar days
Odd addresses water on odd calendar days

In-ground irrigation systems between 10pm - 4am the following day

Hand watering, drip irrigation, or vegetable garden watering is permitted.

Even addresses water on Thursdays and Sundays
Odd addresses water on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Sprinkling between 4 - 9am or 7 - 10pm

In-ground irrigation systems between 10pm - 4am the following day

Hand watering, drip irrigation, or vegetable garden watering is permitted.

Even addresses water on Thursdays
Odd addresses water on Wednesdays

Sprinkling between 4 - 9am or 7 - 10pm

In-ground irrigation systems between 10pm - 4am the following day

Using a garden hose to wash outdoor surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and washing of recreational vehicles, including motor vehicles, boats or trailers, is prohibited.

Hand watering, drip irrigation, or vegetable garden watering is permitted.

All sprinkling and irrigation prohibited.

Using a garden hose to wash outdoor surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, and washing of recreational vehicles, including motor vehicles, boats or trailers, is prohibited.

Hand watering, drip irrigation, or vegetable garden watering is permitted.

8.1 Sections 4.3 (c) and 4.4 (iii) do not apply to outdoor areas which are required to be cleaned or watered so as to comply with health, fire or safety regulations or directives.

8.2 The provisions of 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 do not apply to the following:

a) golf Courses holding a valid and subsisting licence from the Village;
b) sports fields;
c) parks;
d) public gardens (Community Garden);
e) farm operations within the meaning of the Farm Practices Protection (Right to Farm) Act in agricultural land reserve and other areas where farm uses are permitted;
f) private, non-commercial vegetable gardens;
g) a commercial nursery; or
h) turf & sod within public road rights of way.