Surrey criticized for not following Metro Vancouver water restrictions

Surrey city officials are facing criticism after choosing to stay at Stage 2 water restrictions while Metro Vancouver moved other municipalities to Stage 3. Metro Vancouver staff said the regional system is interconnected and that coordinated conservation is important as summer demand rises. At a Friday water district board meeting, officials from across the region questioned Surrey’s decision. Surrey’s utilities director said the city is monitoring water use closely and argued that some businesses and residents would be affected by stricter limits. The city has kept some exceptions in place, including limited lawn watering for certain properties, pool filling, and some cooling uses such as spray parks. Metro Vancouver staff said the region’s water supply is under pressure because of a lowerthannormal snowpack, a dry forecast and an aging water main that is out of service for replacement. The board voted to send Surrey a letter asking it to align with the regional plan, while some members suggested higher fees for municipalities that do not comply.