Water conservation stages in Whistler

Whistler uses an innovative system for managing water conservation. The water conservation stage is evaluated each week based on water supply, reservoir levels, fire danger rating and the weather forecast. This allows for more flexible irrigation timelines while also ensuring the reservoirs are always full. 

Water stages 1, 2 and 3

To help our community adapt to climate change, new water restrictions are now in place. With more frequent droughts, reservoir levels can sometimes reach critically low levels, affecting our ability to maintain adequate potable water storage for both a reliable drinking water supply and sufficient waterflow for fire protection

There are three stages of water conservation (PDF) in Whistler. Each stage impacts how water can be used in the community.

Stage 1 restrictions are in effect from November 1 to April 30 with minimal constraints for irrigation, filling pools and hot tubs and other activities. Watering activities are limited to 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Stage 2 restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 31 and includes constraints such as the neighbourhood watering schedule (see below). Watering times are the same as Stage 1. There are also some restrictions for filling hot tubs and pools, which may only be undertaken as necessary to comply with health and safety laws.

Stage 3 restrictions can occur anytime that the General Manager of Infrastructure Services deems there to be a need for severely limiting water use. Watering of any kind is not permitted, nor is the filling of pools and hot tubs. Public showers and water parks may also be shut down, or only permitted where there are automatic shutoffs in place.

Watering schedule for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems

• Three days per week based on your address (see below).  
• Days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday OR Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• In-ground automatic irrigation systems are limited to six hours of watering (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) on designated days. 
• See exceptions for vegetable gardens and manual or hand-watering methods (PDF).

These measures are designed to balance water conservation with maintaining lawns and gardens. Automatic summer water conservation measures will advance to severe restrictions only if necessary.

Thank you for your help to keep our community safe and sustainable. 

Neighbourhood watering schedule

Properties in the following neighbourhoods are permitted to irrigate lawns, trees, shrubs and flower beds by automatic in-ground irrigation between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. as specified below.

Managing our water supply

Adding infrastructure to increase our water supply is expensive, so we are working with the community and businesses to find alternatives. 

Initiatives being rolled out are:  

• Evaluating the potential of water metering to better monitor and equitably charge for water use. 

• Implementing the 21 Mile Creek Source Protection Plan (PDF) to keep our alpine watershed clean. 

• Implementing a Cross Connection Control Program to prevent backflow contamination. 

The above work is informed by the Comprehensive Water Conservation and Supply Plan (PDF).  

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I need to irrigate outside of permitted times because of a new landscape installation?

You can apply for a permit to water your new landscaping at additional times if you demonstrate you are using efficient watering methods.

Are municipal properties regulated by the water use bylaw?

Municipal parks operations comply with the bylaw requirements, with a few exemptions due to heavy community and visitor use and the risk associated with their replacement costs. These locations are:

• Olympic Plaza Great Lawn
• Myrtle Phillips School Sports Field
• Whistler High School Sports Field
• Spring Creek School Sports Field
• Rainbow Park and Spruce Grove Park have their own (non-potable) irrigation wells that are subject to different guidelines for use.

We appear to have lots of water, why am I being asked to conserve?

While we are fortunate to have multiple fresh water sources, developing additional water sources is heavily regulated. Whistler’s Community Vision and Official Community Plan requires us to balance water conservation efforts with increasing supply. Reducing water consumption decreases the amount of water that requires treatment and storage, which in turn reduces energy use and infrastructure costs.

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 adequate water supply 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 our Comprehensive Water Conservation and Supply Plan (PDF) means all residents and businesses in Whistler have a shared responsibility to save water for when we need it most.

Please note that water use conservation regulations apply only to potable drinking water. Use rainwater, gray water, or any form of recycled water is not restricted.

The graphic above provides a summary of the key water usage regulations but does not contain all information regarding the bylaw. When referencing this bylaw and determining which regulations affect you, refer to the Outdoor Potable Water Usage Bylaw and not the graphic.