Reservoir Levels & Water Use

Currently, Metro Vancouver’s source reservoirs can be maintained nearly full under normal conditions from October to March. Snowpack typically starts melting around April, and the reservoirs are drawn down until early fall when the rain returns.

Metro Vancouver posts weekly reservoir storage levels from May to October, when rainfall is lower and the regional demand for water can increase by 50%.

Note that data from 2015 is included, to show impact of extreme dry weather conditions on total source storage.

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Rainfall refills the reservoirs during the winter and spring, but dry periods and higher water use in the summer lower the reservoirs' water levels – and our drinking water supply.

Precipitation and water use values reflect averaged 2003 to 2019 data. Precipitation values are collected from the Capilano Reservoir, and are significantly higher than urban sites in the region.

Rain or shine, we take water conservation seriously. Visit welovewater.ca to learn more about why it’s important to conserve and for easy tips to use a little less.