Metro Vancouver’s wet start to June is welcome news amid looming summer drought conditions.
Heidi Walsh, director of watersheds and environment at Metro Vancouver Water Services told CityNews that recent rain is helping the reservoir get well-positioned for the hot months ahead.
“All of our reservoirs are at normal summer refill levels. We’re still continuing to do our summer refills and we expect to be at maximum full levels by about mid-June,” said Walsh.
She added that the amount of recent rainfall means that both Capilano and Seymour dams are likely to start “spilling,” and she anticipates seeing “a little extra water” going down those rivers.
Jennifer Lohmeyer, with BC Wildfire Service, says rain in these crucial months is good news for droughts and fires but only in the short term.
“While the wet rainy weather we had recently has reduced the fire weather drought code across the coastal Fire Center, it only takes two or three days of warm, dry weather to have a significant impact on the moisture levels of our fine fuels,” said Lohmeyer.
Heading into summer, Lohmeyer says BC Wildfire still needs the public’s help in preventing and reporting wildfires.
“We want to remind people that as we’re entering a heavy recreational season, any open fire can cause a wildfire so we want people to be careful when they’re enjoying the outdoors,” Lohmeyer said.
She added that anyone can report a wildfire to the BC Wildfire app or by calling 1-800-663-5555.
Walsh said rains in the Lower Mainland reduce the risk of drought and fire and encouraged water conservation by following lawn watering restrictions and reducing outdoor water use during hot summer months.
“The water supplies are well positioned for the summer right now, but we do continue to ask people to conserve and reduce their outdoor water use throughout the summer. So if they can stick to the once-per-week watering schedule, then we can ensure that we have an adequate supply as we get into those hot dry summer months in July and August.”
Lawn watering restrictions in Metro Vancouver will continue for both homes and businesses until Oct. 15.