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 allows regular use, Stage 2 introduces seasonal conservation restrictions, and Stage 3 permits only essential water use while prohibiting most discretionary outdoor water activities.

Stage 1 summary (November 1 to April 30)

• Most water uses are permitted.
• Gardens, lawns, trees, and flower beds can be watered with minimal restrictions.
• Pools, hot tubs, fountains, vehicle washing, and outdoor showers are allowed.
• Automatic irrigation is permitted according to the neighbourhood watering schedule.
• Conservation is encouraged, but water use remains largely unrestricted.
• View further details (PDF).

Stage 2 summary (May 1 to October 31)

• Increased conservation measures are in effect.
• Outdoor watering is generally restricted to 7-10 a.m. and 8-11 p.m.
• Automatic irrigation is limited to neighbourhood-scheduled days and overnight hours.
• Filling pools and hot tubs is restricted to health and safety requirements.
• Decorative fountains and hard-surface washing face additional limitations.
• View further details (PDF).

Stage 3 summary (declared by the General Manager of Infrastructure Services)

• Severe water restrictions apply.
• Most outdoor watering, irrigation, washing, and filling activities are not permitted.
• Edible gardens may still be watered only during specified morning and evening hours.
• Public facilities may operate only where required for public health and safety.
• The focus is on preserving essential water supplies during drought or emergency conditions.
• View further details (PDF).

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 Temporary Irrigation 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.