Climate Emergency Preparedness

Climate change is altering the frequency, severity and duration of droughts. Droughts can cause impacted communities to experience a water shortage. Local governments may restrict the use of water for certain activities.

Extended drought can also produce dry, dusty conditions that decrease air quality.

Though droughts have not had serious impacts on drinking water in Vancouver to date, they may in the future.

It is important to remember that people experience drought events differently. Some residents are more vulnerable to the effects of drought. This includes:

• People with chronic health conditions, including immune-suppressing conditions, cardiovascular disease and mental illness.
• Older adults, infants and young children, and pregnant people
• People facing financial and language barriers.

It’s easier to stay safe and take action when you are prepared. Below are some steps you can take to be prepared for droughts.

Preparing for drought conditions:

• Consider making small changes to use less water at home if you’re able, like investing in water-efficient taps and appliances. More ways to save water can be found here.
• Bottled water is an important part of your emergency kit.
• If you are buying or replacing outdoor plants, consider drought tolerant varieties.
• If you hear your toilet tank filling without being used, check it for leaks.
• Consider talking to your building manager about collecting rainwater for watering.

Conserving water during a drought:

• Follow Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions when in effect.
• Indoor water saving tips
  • For example: take shorter showers, run full loads of laundry, fill the sink if washing by hand.
• Outdoor water saving tips
  • For example: Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose, check plumbing and hoses for leaks, skip the car wash.

• Responds to Metro Vancouver’s watering restrictions during drought periods.

Below are resources with more information related to droughts:

• For a map of current drought conditions, see British Columbia’s Drought Information Portal here.
• Learn more about Metro Vancouver’s regional drinking water system.
• Metro Vancouver’s water conservation tips.
• Consider using energy-efficient rebates and incentives to save money and use less water.