Sod Growers Speak to Media About Negative Impacts of Severe Metro-Vancouver Water Restrictions, Push for More Secure Water Supply

By WCTA Staff

Citing low snowpack, construction work on a main supply artery and expected warm weather this summer, on June 1, Metro-Vancouver officials announced a surprise move to Stage 3 water restrictions across the region effective Monday, June 8th.

Two long time WCTA member sod growers spoke with news media about Metro’s decision and the resulting negative impacts to businesses, quality of life and the environment.

Bert Bos, owner of Bos Sod Farms in Abbotsford, BC and long-time WCTA member stated, “We live in the wettest province in the country and yet we have the strictest, most stringent lawn watering restrictions.”

Rob Rindt, another long-time WCTA member and owner of Western Turf Farms with operations in Abbotsford and Langley, BC outlined alternatives to irrigating with potable water including collecting and setting-up a rain water system and the use of grey water for those on septic.

Key takeaways - Metro Vancouver currently has some of the strictest lawn watering restrictions in North America—even more stringent than those in cities like San Jose and Los Angeles and with plenty of water available, it has not kept up with increased demands stemming from population growth.
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CBC Radio Early Edition - Metro Vancouver’s move to Stage 3 water restrictions is affecting multiple industries, from local landscaping crews to regional agricultural operations. Bos Sod Farms owner Bert Bos talks about how his business is being affected.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition/clip/16218756-metro-vancouver-regional-district-brings-strictest-water-restrictions 

Jas Johal Show, CKNW Radio 730 - Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions leave some businesses running dry (12:12)
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/allen-schoenborn-granted-a-conditional-discharge-is/id1135887105?i=1000771242067  

Global News - Water restrictions worry turf farm operators
https://globalnews.ca/video/11891441/water-restrictions-worry-turf-farm-operators