Metro Vancouver Agricultural Water Forum: Metro Vancouver’s Water Supply – a presentation by Stan Woods, Senior Engineer, on Drinking Water Management Plan goals
Drinking Water Management Plan
“Metro Vancouver is responsible for storing, treating and delivering clean, safe drinking water through its member local governments to about 2.5 million residents in the Lower Mainland. Local governments build and operate the distribution system that delivers water to citizens, businesses and agricultural areas and agricultural 
users,” states Stan Woods, a Senior Engineer with the Policy, Planning and Analysis Division of the Water Services Department at Metro Vancouver.
Since 2000, Stan Woods has played a key role in developing and updating the water plans for the region, including the Drinking Water Management Plan and the Water Shortage Response Plan.
Managing a Limited Resource
“Water is a precious, limited resource. Metro Vancouver is committed to ensuring water is conserved and used efficiently. The Drinking Water Management Plan is the overarching plan for Metro Vancouver and its member local governments. This plan has three goals:
- Provide clean, safe drinking water;
- Ensure the sustainable use of water resources; and
- Ensure the efficient supply of water.”
“A report titled “Climate Projections for the Metro Vancouver” was posted to the Metro Vancouver website in early October 2016. This report includes information relevant to Agriculture.
Future Water Supply for a Growing Region
“The ‘WE LOVE WATER’ (welovewater.ca) conservation campaign provides tips on using water wisely, all year round, both indoors and outdoors, at home, work or school.”
“Although the region experiences significant rainfall between November and April, the summer months tend to be hotter and drier and the demand for water increases.”
“To address the dry season, the region has a Water Shortage Response Plan, which helps us conserve water when demand is high, and supplies are low. There are no restrictions on water use by Agriculture in Stages 1 to 3 of the Water Shortage Response Plan.”
“The regional population is growing by over 35,000 people each year. Although per-capita water use has been decreasing, as population continues to steadily increase, the total water use in the region is forecast to grow.”
“Options to increase water supply include increasing the volume of water from the Coquitlam source,” concludes Stan Woods.
To Learn More:
Download Metro Vancouver’s Water Supply to view a PDF copy of the PowerPoint presentation by Stan Woods.
