Water Protection & Conservation
The City of New Westminster is committed to protecting or enhancing the quality of its water resources and encouraging water conservation with its citizens. Check out the programs and policies around water protection and conservation that the City is currently undertaking.
Check out section 2.5 “Environment and the Riverfront and Climate Action” in the City’s OCP. Click here to go directly to section 2.5 of the OCP.
Additional information about water conservation can be found on the Metro Vancouver’s website.
The Riparian Areas Regulation (RAR) is a provincial policy directive which came into effect on March 31, 2006. Its intent is to protect riparian areas and the natural features and functions that support fish life processes. RAR affects local governmental approvals for new residential, commercial and industrial developments around watercourses considered fish habitat. The approaches to protect riparian areas around watercourses in New Westminster include the following:
Fraser River and Brunette River: For development applications in these areas, a default 30 metre setback on both sides of the river (to top of bank) will be established. Development applications within the 30 metre setback will require assessment by a qualified environmental professional (QEP).
Queensborough Ditches: Guidelines were created related to development and work activities around the various constructed watercourses on Queensborough. A number of ditches are subject to RAR (see map).
For more information about RAR and development around riparian areas, please see our Riparian Area Regulation brochure (PDF).
Did you know?
The province is providing a consistent approach to addressing the potential impact of residential, commercial and industrial activity on the riparian fish habitat. For more information on the RAR, please visit the BC Government website.
Water conservation is not just about water shortages. It is more effective and less costly to conserve water than it is to build new infrastructure.Long-range climate projections show that our region can expect longer summer dry spells and decreased winter snowpack, limiting future summer water availability.
Metro Vancouver’s per capita water use has been steadily declining for over a decade, but continued population growth – about 35,000 people every year – is expected to increase overall water demand in the coming years. On average, Metro Vancouver residents use over 400 liters per day for washing dishes and clothes, showering, flushing toilets, watering lawns and other outside activities.
Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan
Lawn and garden watering accounts for the largest portion of residential water use in the summer – water demand can be up to 60% higher in the summer than in the winter. Reducing water use for lawn sprinkling purposes during peak periods helps to ensure a sufficient water supply in the summer and can defer the need for system upgrades to the water supply infrastructure. In order to conserve our region's water supply, New Westminster supports Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan by enforcing the region’s Lawn Watering Regulations.
Rain barrels are a great way for you to keep your gardens watered and growing. Rain barrel water is healthier for your plants as it is unchlorinated and oxygen-rich.
With lawn watering restrictions in effect from May 1 to Oct. 15, rain barrels are an affordable and sustainable gardening solution.
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from the roof to reuse on gardens, lawns, and hanging baskets.
Features:
- 208 Liters (55 gallon) capacity: 34 inches high by 24 inches wide
- Easily accommodates existing downspouts
- Made of 50% recycled materials
- Overflow capability, can be linked to another rain barrel
- Square shape and neutral color blends into any gardenscape
- Stainless steel screen keeps out bugs and leaf debris
How to purchase a Rain Barrel:
- Cost is $70 + GST
- Proof of New Westminster Residency is required
Options to purchase the rain barrel:
Once payment is complete, pick up will be available at the Engineering Operations Works Yard (901 First St) between 9am and 12pm on the following dates:
August 26
September 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14
*Proof of purchase is required.
Contact
For general inquires: email or call Engineering Administration 604.527.4592
Water Usage Calculator
Find out how much water is used in your home with the Alliance for Water Efficiency's Water Calculator.
Information and Resources
- Metro Vancouver's Reservoir Levels and Water Use
- Metro Vancouver’s tips on indoor/outdoor water conservation and lawn care
- Water Conservation Tips & Educational Material Brochure - Outdoor
- Water Conservation Tips & Educational Material Brochure - Indoor
- Rain barrel program FAQ
- Rain barrel product description
- Rain barrel installation guide
- Rain barrel installation video on YouTube
When rainstorms hit New Westminster, the combined sewers (sanitary and storm) in the city often do not have the capacity to carry all the wastewater from homes to the region’s treatment plants. As a result, sewage from the combined sewer overflows (CSO) unavoidably enters receiving watercourses – namely the Fraser or Brunette Rivers.The City of New Westminster has been replacing its combined sewers – an older type of collection system – with separate pipe systems (wastewater and stormwater). This process is a costly, long-range project that results in a replacement rate of only 1% annually.
In 2005, the City partnered with Metro Vancouver (GVRD) in an initiative to create a tank (CSO tank) that would receive combined sewer overflows from the west end side of the City. The tank, which is a 20,000 cubic meter volume storage facility, was designed to address the CSO problem in that area by collecting large quantities of wastewater (e.g. during large rainfall events) and storing it until a time when the treatment plants can handle the additional load. This CSO tank aims to reduce combined sewer overflows in the City by 30%!
Did you know?
CSO Building wins "green" award! Visit the Metro Vancouver website to watch a video on the construction of a CSO tank (Episode 21).