Whistler is in Water Conservation Stage 1

Recommendations to change the stage depend on water supply, reservoir levels, fire danger rating and the weather forecast.

The water conservation stage is evaluated each week during summer, but updates aren’t made during fall and winter.

Weekly Risk to Supply Analysis Table: updated weekly in summer

Last update September 27, 2023

Factor	Possible Status	Status
21 Mile Creek Supply	Offline or online	Intermittently online with fall rain affecting turbidity
Reservoir Levels	Above or below fire storage levels	Above fire storage levels
Fire Danger Rating	Low, Moderate, High or Extreme	Whistler’s Fire Danger rating is Low BC Wildfire Service’s Coastal Fire Centre is Very Low
Weather Forecast	Rainfall level/Temperatures	Seven-day Environment Canada weather forecast Whistler, BC – 7 Day Forecast – Environment Canada
BC Drought Level Rating for the area	Level 1 thru 5	Regional rating is Drought Level 5: Adverse impacts likely British Columbia Drought Information Portal

Why Does Water Conservation Matter?

Reducing water consumption decreases the amount of water that requires treatment, which reduces energy use and infrastructure costs. Water use guidelines ensure a reliable supply of potable water to meet Whistler’s daily domestic and commercial needs, protect natural aquatic habitats, and makes sure the community has adequate water for fire protection emergencies.

Potable water use increases in the summer months by more than 50 percent. The community water use target of 425 litres per person per day identified in the RMOW Comprehensive Water Conservation and Supply Plan means that all residents and businesses in Whistler have a shared responsibility to save water for when we need it most.

Water use conservation regulations apply only to the use of potable drinking water. Using rain water, gray water, or any form of recycled water is not restricted. Staff monitor Whistler’s water supply and activate water use restrictions by evaluating the water supply (such as reservoir levels) and forecasts. Residents and visitors are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible to ensure that Whistler is adequately prepared in the event of fire emergencies.

The graphic above provides a summary of the key water usage regulations. It does not contain all information regarding the bylaw. When referencing this bylaw and determining which regulations affect you, refer to Bylaw NO. 2179, 2018 and not the graphic.

Find out how the RMOW saves water.

Changes to Whistler’s Water Use Regulations

The RMOW recently made changes to the outdoor potable water usage Bylaw (adopted April 24, 2018), which may have an impact on the way you manage your landscaping irrigation. After many months of consultation with stakeholders and the broader community, the updated bylaw now requires a stronger collective effort to monitor water use and reduce consumption when water supply levels are compromised.

The updated Bylaw is focused on outdoor water uses, including: irrigation, washing of vehicles, boats and hard surfaces, and filling of pools and hot tubs.  It also details the Water Conservation Stages that may be enacted if potable water supplies are observed to be lower than required for essential services. This change to Whistler’s Outdoor Portable Water Use Bylaw allows for more flexible irrigation timelines while also keeping the reservoirs full in case of fire. Fire risk continues to be major concern in the community and being prepared at all times is a municipal priority.

The new system is more flexible, but likewise requires irrigation companies and property managers and the community to be flexible and adapt on a weekly basis. 

The RMOW also must follow the Water Conservation Stages for areas were municipal drinking water is used. Some parks, fields and the three golf courses have their own non-drinking water supply.

Water Conservation Stages do not apply to Emerald Estates, which is not on the 21 Mile Creek supply system. 

FAQs

Contact

Infrastructure Services
604-935-8190
engineers@whistler.ca