Metro Vancouver has announced that temporary Stage 3 water restrictions will take effect on June 8, with a return to Stage 2 currently anticipated in late July.

While the restrictions are expected to be temporary, businesses should begin reviewing the requirements now and considering how they may affect operations, customer service, scheduling, and revenue over the coming weeks.

The move to Stage 3 comes as Metro Vancouver responds to a combination of elevated water use, significantly below-average snowpack levels, and anticipated low rainfall heading into the summer months. While regional reservoirs are currently full, these conditions have prompted additional conservation measures to help preserve water supplies through the peak summer season.

For businesses, the most significant impacts are expected to be felt by sectors that rely on outdoor water use as part of their operations.

This may include:

• Landscaping and irrigation services
• Pressure washing companies
• Vehicle washing and detailing businesses
• Pool and hot tub installation and servicing companies
• Golf courses and related recreation facilities
• Property maintenance businesses
• Commercial facilities with outdoor watering requirements

Stage 3 restrictions include additional limits on outdoor water use, including restrictions related to garden watering, pool and hot tub filling, vehicle washing, surface cleaning, and other non-essential water uses.

The Langley Chamber encourages businesses that may be affected to review the restrictions, assess any operational impacts, and begin communicating proactively with customers where appropriate.

Could Stage 3 Water Restrictions Impact Your Business?

The Langley Chamber wants to hear from local businesses that may be affected by these temporary restrictions.

Whether you anticipate impacts to operations, scheduling, customer service, costs, staffing, or revenue, we encourage you to share your feedback with us. Understanding the real-world impacts on businesses helps inform our advocacy efforts and discussions with decision-makers.

If your business expects to be affected by the Stage 3 restrictions, please contact the Langley Chamber and let us know what challenges or concerns you foresee.