Delta Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016 (consolidated Dec 2025)
Delta, British Columbia
· No. 7441
· adopted 2016-04-04
· summary & facts
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THE CORPORATION OF DELTA
BYLAW NO. 7441
A Bylaw to provide for the operation of the water service and impose charges
for the use of water
Incorporating amendments pursuant to Bylaw's
7631, 7728, 7744, 7824,7901, 8009, 8094, 8114, 8200, 8354, 8462, 8537
Print December 19, 2025
THIS CONSOLIDATION IS FOR CONVENIENCE AND REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY.
If there is any discrepancy between this consolidation and the original Bylaw and any amending Bylaws, the
original Bylaw and any amending bylaws are correct. For confirmation of the exact terms of the Bylaw, you
must consult the original Bylaw and all amending bylaws.
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THE CORPORATION OF DELTA
DELTA WATER SERVICE BYLAW NO. 7441, 2016
A Bylaw to provide for the operation of the water service and impose charges for the use of water
________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS the Corporation has established potable and irrigation water services for the benefit of the
Municipality and wishes to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements and fees in relation to those services;
NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of The Corporation of Delta, in open meeting assembled, ENACTS
AS FOLLOWS:
This bylaw may be cited as the "Delta Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016".
INDEX
Part 1
Interpretation ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Part 2
Potable Water Service .......................................................................................................................... 4
Part 3
Irrigation Water Service ........................................................................................................................ 6
Part 4
Water Use Restrictions ......................................................................................................................... 6
Part 5
Cross Connection Control .................................................................................................................... 8
Part 6
Disconnection of Water Service ........................................................................................................... 8
Part 7
Fees and Charges ................................................................................................................................ 9
Part 8
Conditions of Supply ........................................................................................................................... 12
Part 9
General Provisions, Enforcement and Penalty ................................................................................... 12
Schedule A - Water User Rates
Schedule B - Water User Rates Map
Schedule C - Agricultural Water Rates Map
Schedule D - Sprinkling Permit for a New Lawn
Schedule E - Water Use Restriction General Order
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Part 1 Interpretation
1. In this bylaw,
"Assessed Cost"
"Agricultural Water Rate Area"
"Corporation"
"Council"
"Cross Connection"
"Curb Stop"
"Director"
"Drip Irrigation"
"Dwelling Unit"
"Garden Irrigation"
"General Order"
"Irrigation Water System"
"Lawn"
"Municipality"
means all charges incurred by the City in carrying out the work,
including overtime when required plus administration and
overhead costs.
means the area shown on Schedule "C".
means The Corporation of Delta.
means the Municipal Council of The Corporation of Delta.
means any actual or potential physical connection between the
Waterworks System, or any potable water system connected to
the Waterworks System, and any auxiliary water source or pipe,
vessel, machine or other source that may contain a non-potable
fluid or other contaminates, such that it is possible for
contaminates to enter the Waterworks System or any potable
water system due to backflow.
means the municipally-owned valve on a Water Service in a
municipal street or lane or within an easement at or near the
consumer's property line or easement line.
means the Director of Engineering of the Corporation.
means a system using irrigation components which consume
less than 20 gallons/acre/hour (187L/ha/hour) and operate at
less than 25 PSI (172 kPa) to deliver water to the root zone of
the plant material being irrigated.
has the same meaning as in Delta Zoning Bylaw No. 2750,
1977.
means the sprinkling or pouring of water to irrigate Lawns and
landscaping, domestic gardens, plant nurseries, greenhouses,
or golf courses by means of any pipe, hose or sprinkling device
upon or under the surface of the ground on any premises.
means the water use restriction General Order attached as
Schedule "E".
means the system of ditches, flood boxes and related works
through which the Corporation provides non-potable water to
agricultural land for irrigation purposes.
includes grass growing at cemeteries.
means the geographic area governed by the Corporation.
Amend BL
8354, 2023
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"Newspaper"
"Person"
"Secondary Suite"
"Secondary Suite Occupancy
Permit"
"Service Connection"
"TFN Lands"
"Water Area"
"Water Meter"
"Water Meter Setter"
"Water Service"
"Waterworks System"
means a publication or local periodical that:
(i) contains items of news and advertising, and
(ii) is distributed at least weekly in the Municipality
does not include a Municipality, a regional district, or the
provincial government.
has the same meaning as in Delta Zoning Bylaw No. 2750,
1977.
has the same meaning as in Delta Zoning Bylaw No. 2750,
1977.
means the connecting pipe and appurtenances between any
water main and the property line of the premises served and
shall include the necessary valves and meters.
means the Tsawwassen First Nation Lands.
means the area shown on Schedule "B".
means a device used to measure water consumption.
means a device, installed on the water supply line, approved by
the Director of Engineering, and to which a Water Meter can be
easily connected.
means the supply of potable water from the Waterworks System
to any property and all pipes, taps, valves, connections and
other things necessary to or actually used for the purposes of
such supply.
means the municipally-owned or controlled waterworks that
distributes potable water, and includes all pipes, fixtures, Water
Meters and accessories located on the Corporation's property or
designated metering/valving appurtenances that may be on
private property within the Corporation property rights-of-way.
Part 2 Potable Water Service
Application for Service
2. A Person may apply for a new Water Service to a premises in the Water Area by making an application
to the Director in the form prescribed by the Director for that purpose, which form may be different for
different classes of service.
3. Every applicant for a new Water Service must pay the deposit and connection charge set out in Table III
of Schedule "A" for the type of Service Connection provided.
4. The approval of a new Water Service Connection shall be subject to the availability of a sufficient supply
of water in terms of both volume and pressure, and the Director may refuse a connection in any case
where existing water supply facilities are not adequate to supply the volume or pressure required by
the applicant, or may limit the dimension of any connection provided.
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Connection Standards
5. Each new potable Water Service Connection shall be installed in accordance with standards specified
by the Director, which may be adjusted to address unique characteristics of the parcel or the Water
Service, and shall include a Water Meter installed in accordance with standards specified by the
Director, and be equipped with a radio signal transceiver enabling remote reading of the meter.
6. Each property containing a Secondary Suite shall have a Water Meter installed in accordance with
standards specified by the Director, and be equipped with a radio signal transceiver enabling remote
reading of the meter.
7. Prior to the provision of water through any new or altered Water Service Connection, the applicant for
Water Service must satisfy the Director that all Water Service lines, fittings and fixtures installed on the
premises comply with all bylaws, orders and other requirements of the Corporation.
8. The Director may from time to time prescribe standards and specifications, either adopted by bylaw or
policy, for Water Meters, radio signal transceivers, Water Meter chambers, Water Meter Setters, Water
Meter bypasses, pressure reducing valves and related works connected to the Waterworks System,
and shall make available a copy of such standards and specifications to every applicant for a Water
Service.
9. If a cross connection control device is required under Part 5, a Backflow Prevention Assembly Test
Report must be filled out annually by a qualified Person. Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Reports
must be purchased from the Corporation at the rate set out in Table IV of Schedule "A".
10. Where a Water Service provides on-site fire protection by means of hydrant or sprinkler systems, the
water supply works shall be branched adjacent to the property line, or in another location as approved
by the Director, and the fire protection line shall be equipped with a fire rated Water Meter or detector
check meter, and any Water Service line shall be equipped with a Water Meter, all to be located at the
property line unless otherwise so approved by the Director.
11. A Water Service for a building subdivided under the Strata Property Act shall be a single metered
service with a backflow prevention device installed at the external boundary of the strata plan unless
approved by the Director, and the strata corporation shall be liable for the water user charges imposed
by this bylaw. The Water Meter chamber including all components will belong to the Municipality.
12. A Water Service for lots subdivided under the Strata Property Act shall be serviced by a single metered
service with a backflow prevention device installed at the external boundary of the strata plan unless
approved by the Director, and the strata corporation shall be liable for the water user charges imposed
by this bylaw. Individual meter setters are to be provided to each Dwelling Unit in the strata and it will
be the responsibility of the strata corporation to install and read the meters and provide individual bills
to each strata member, if the strata corporation chooses. The Water Meter chamber including all
components at the external boundary of the strata plan will belong to the Municipality.
13. The owner or occupier of any single family residential premises connected to the Waterworks System
on the date of adoption of this bylaw and not equipped with a Water Meter may request the installation
of such a meter, and if the owner or occupier also requests that the meter be installed at a location
other than that proposed by the Director, the owner or occupier must pay the Assessed Cost of the
installation.
14. If in the opinion of the Director, water consumption by any user is excessive, the Director may order the
installation of a Water Meter, and effective from that date, the applicable metered rates shall apply.
15. For installation of water lines with a service pipe size equal to or less than nineteen millimetres (19mm
or 3/4"), the owner must pay the cost associated with the installation as set out in Table III of Schedule
"A".
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16. For installation of water lines with a service pipe size greater than nineteen millimetres (19mm or 3/4"),
the owner must pay for all costs associated with the installation as set out in Table III of Schedule "A".
17. A meter shall not be located within a sidewalk or vehicular crossing unless approved by the Director.
18. No Person shall cause or permit a meter to be inaccessible for reading or maintenance.
19. If a meter is inaccessible for reading or maintenance, the Director may give written notice allowing the
customer 96 hours to make the meter or accessories accessible after which time the Corporation may
return to read or maintain the meter and the customer must pay the Return Attendance Fee specified
in Table IV of Schedule "A".
20. Where, in the opinion of the Director, a customer-located meter or its accessory is situated in an unsafe
area on the premises or where its location creates a dangerous situation to a reader, the meter or
accessory shall be deemed to be an "inaccessible meter".
21. Subject to Part 6, the Director may order the Water Service shut off if the meter or accessory thereof
remains inaccessible for reading and maintenance for a period longer than 4 months.
Part 3 Irrigation Water Service
22. No Person, unless approved by the Director, shall construct any works that are used or capable of
being used to withdraw water from the Irrigation Water System, or place in the Irrigation Water System
any pump, hose, or other apparatus capable of withdrawing water, unless:
(a) that Person is withdrawing water to irrigate lands assessed as Class 9 (farm) under the
Assessment Act and its regulations; and,
(b) the Person is liable to pay the irrigation Water Service user charge for the irrigated lands
under section 73.
23. Nothing in this bylaw relieves any Person using the Irrigation Water System from obtaining any
required approval from the Province of B.C., including any water licence required under the Water Act.
Part 4 Water Use Restrictions
24. No Person shall use water supplied by the Waterworks System for any irrigation purpose other than for
Garden Irrigation or Drip Irrigation, or as approved by the Director.
25. No Person shall use any water withdrawn from the Irrigation Water System for any purpose other than
the irrigation of farm land and gardens, ponds, fire fighting, watering of livestock, or as approved by the
Director.
26. The Director may, from time to time, issue water use restriction orders to implement any drinking water
conservation plan adopted by the Greater Vancouver Water District, including General and Stage 1 to
4 Restrictions in the General Order, by posting such orders in the public notice posting places,
publishing the orders in a Newspaper within 72 hours of the effective date of the orders, and taking
such other notification measures as the Director deems appropriate. For certainty, and not so as to
limit the powers of the Director under this section, such orders may be General Orders specifying the
nature of water use restrictions to be in force generally or when specific orders are made stating that
the dates on which such General Orders shall be in force or shall cease to be in force, which specific
orders may state that a General Order shall be in force until further order.
27. No Person shall, except in accordance with a permit issued under this bylaw, contravene any water use
restriction order by using water supplied by the City in contravention of any:
(a) General Restriction in the General Order;
(b) Stage 1 Restriction in the General Order;
Amend BL
7744, 2018
Amend BL
7744, 2018
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(c) Stage 2 Restriction in the General Order;
(d) Stage 3 Restriction in the General Order;
(e) Stage 4 Restriction in the General Order; or,
(f) other restriction on water use;
issued by order of the Director pursuant to this bylaw.
28. Upon application and payment of the fee set out in Table IV of Schedule "A", the Director may issue
sprinkling permits for new landscaping, which may be in a form substantially similar to Schedule "D", to
authorize the use of water from the Waterworks System to irrigate a newly seeded Lawn, newly
installed turf, or for application of nematodes for a period of up to 21 days, in accordance with Water
Use Restrictions.
29. Upon application and payment of the fee for a sprinkling permit, the Director may renew, a permit
issued under section 28.
30. The Director may prescribe the form of permit applications and permits for sprinkling permits.
31. No Person shall use water withdrawn in accordance with a permit issued under section 28 unless the
permit is conspicuously displayed at the premises in respect of which it was issued.
Hydrants and Standpipes
32. Upon submission, the Director may approve a Water Management Plan, which may be in a form
substantially similar to Schedule "F", to authorize the use of water from the Waterworks System to
irrigate land at times other than those set out in the General Order.
33. The Director may terminate or suspend a Water Management Plan by notifying the administrator of the
plan in writing.
34. The administrator of a Water Management Plan may terminate the plan by notifying the Director in
writing, in which case the Water Management Plan is to terminate on the later of the date specified in
the notice or the date on which the Director receives the notice.
35. In the event of termination of a Water Management Plan, the water use restrictions set out in the
General Order will apply.
36. No Person shall operate any hydrant or use water drawn from any hydrant or standpipe unless that
Person has a permit issued under section 37.
37. The Director may, in writing, permit the use of a hydrant or standpipe for the supply of water for
construction or similar purposes, for a specified period of time and in accordance with the conditions of
use set out in the permit, upon
(a) the Person applying to the Director using the form prescribed by the Director that states:
(i) the location of the hydrant/hydrant number
(ii) the proposed dates of use;
(iii) the purpose of use;
(iv) the subdivision application or development permit number, if applicable;
(v) the name and telephone number of the applicant; and,
(b) the payment by the applicant of the permit fee, inspection fee and the security in the
amounts set out in Table V of Schedule "A".
38. The Corporation may use any security provided by an applicant under section 37 to repair any damage
to the Waterworks System caused by a contravention of the permit in respect of which the security was
provided, to install or test any cross connection control device required by the permit, or in payment of
fees or charges otherwise imposed by this bylaw.
Amend BL
7744, 2018
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39. A Person operating a hydrant or using a standpipe pursuant to a permit issued under this bylaw must:
(a) leave one port on the hydrant unencumbered at all times;
(b) use an approved cross-connection control device;
(c) protect and secure all equipment attached to the hydrant;
(d) if equipment is left unsecured, pay the Corporation the Assessed Cost of the
Corporation's removal of the equipment and restoring the hydrant or standpipe to its usual
condition; and,
(e) otherwise comply with the terms and conditions of the Permit.
Part 5 Cross Connection Control
40. No Person shall, except as authorized by the Director under section 43, connect or cause or allow to be
connected to the water supply facilities on any premises any piping, fixture, fitting, or other
appurtenance that would in any circumstances permit water, wastewater, or any other liquid or
substance to enter any part of the Waterworks System, including that Person's Water Service.
41. The Director may order the immediate disconnection or removal of any piping, fixture, fitting or
appurtenance that contravenes section 40 or the correction of any other condition on private premises
that represents a hazard to the water supply, and in the case of an imminent health or safety hazard
the Director may disconnect the water supply to the premises in question. Immediate disconnection
and piping removal is subject to Part 6.
42. The Director may, in writing require the installation of cross connection control devices on private
property or on any Water Service line in conjunction with a Person requesting the installation of piping,
fixtures, fittings or other appurtenance otherwise prohibited by section 40, and have a qualified
inspector provide certification that the device was properly installed and that the device has been
tested and is functioning as intended.
43. The Director may, in writing, authorize the installation of cross connection control devices, require the
owner or occupier to provide to the Corporation, at intervals specified by the Director, a certification by
a qualified Person that the device has been tested and is functioning as intended. Should a test show
that a cross connection control device is not in good working condition, the Director shall give notice to
the customer to make repairs or replace the device within 96 hours, or a specified lesser period, and if
the customer fails to comply with such notice the Director may shut off the Water Service or services.
44. The Director may at any time require the owner or occupier of premises on which any cross connection
control device is installed to provide the certification described in section 43 if the Director has reason
to believe that the device may not be functioning as intended.
Part 6 Disconnection of Water Service
45. The Director may disconnect the Water Service to any premises if the owner or occupier fails to make
any payment of fees or charges levied under Part 7 of this bylaw, by giving notice in writing at least 30
days before the disconnection.
46. The Director may disconnect the Water Service to any premises if the owner or occupier has
contravened a water use restriction order made under Part 4 of this bylaw on more than two
occasions.
47. The Director may disconnect the Water Service to any premises if the owner or occupier has failed to
provide a cross connection control device test certification required under section 43 or section 44.
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48. The Director may inspect, or cause to be inspected, any premises to which water is supplied by the
Waterworks System or Irrigation Water System, and may order the owner or occupier, in writing, to
repair or replace any defective or leaking pipes, fittings or fixtures. An order under this section may
specify that the Water Service is subject to disconnection if the owner or occupier fails to satisfactorily
affect the repair or replacement within the time specified in the order, and upon any such failure the
Director may disconnect the Water Service to the premises.
49. In the case of a Water Service disconnection under section 19 [inaccessible meter], section 43 [Cross
Connection], section 46 [contravention of water use restriction order] or section 48 [defective works],
the Director must, prior to disconnecting the Water Service, give notice to the owner or occupier in
writing at least 10 days before the disconnection of their right to make representations in writing to the
Council, and may not disconnect the Water Service unless the Council has considered such
representations and confirmed the disconnection order.
50. In the case of any disconnection of a Water Service under section 41 [imminent hazard], the Director
must at the time of disconnecting the Water Service notify the owner or occupier of their right to make
representations in writing to the Council, with respect to the restoration of the connection.
51. Any owner or occupier wishing to discontinue receiving potable Water Service from the Corporation
may so advise the Director in writing at least 7 business days in advance of the requested
disconnection date and must pay the disconnection charge set out in Table IV of Schedule "A",
including any additional charges for locating or repairing a Curb Stop. The owner or occupier remains
liable for all charges for Water Service provided prior to the disconnection of the Water Service.
52. No Person shall demolish any building connected to the Waterworks System, or move such a building,
without having first requested the disconnection of the Water Service, paid the disconnection charge
set out in Table IV of Schedule "A", and allowed for the completion of the disconnection to the
satisfaction of the Director.
53. In cases where the Director determines that the safety of the water supply requires that the
disconnection of a Water Service under section 51 or section 52 be effected by removal of the Water
Service Connection at the watermain, the Director may so order and the work shall be carried out at
the expense of the Person requesting the disconnection.
54. The Director may disconnect the Water Service to any premises if there is a leak in the service that in
the opinion of the Director will cause wastage of water or damage to property.
Part 7 Fees and Charges
Flat Rate Users
55. The owner or occupier of a premises that has an unmetered Water Service Connection must pay the
following annual flat rate charges set out in Schedule "A":
(a) for a premises located within the Water Area that does not contain any buildings under
construction, the amount specified for the type of premises as set out in Table I(1)-(4);
(b) for a premises located within the Water Area that contains a building under construction,
the amount calculated in accordance with Table I(6); and,
(c) for a premises located outside both the Water Area and the TFN Lands, the flat rate
consumption charge specified in Table I(7).
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56. An individual who is the only occupant of a Dwelling Unit may qualify for a reduced annual flat rate if
that Person:
(a) lives alone in that Dwelling Unit;
(b) the Dwelling Unit is not a Secondary Suite with a valid Secondary Suite Occupancy
Permit; and,
(c) provides an annual declaration to the Corporation attesting to that fact.
Any Person who makes a false statement or declaration in relation to the occupancy of a Secondary
Suite that would result in a reduction in the flat rate charges set out in Table I(1) of Schedule "A"
commits an offence under this bylaw.
57. An owner or occupier may have a designation under section 56 continued for another year by
submitting a new declaration attesting to that fact.
58. If a Secondary Suite Occupancy Permit is issued during a billing period, the reduced flat rate for a
Secondary Suite with a Secondary Suite Occupancy Permit under this bylaw shall be applied as pro-
rated credit to the consumer's account calculated from the date the Secondary Suite Occupancy
Permit was issued for the Dwelling Unit. Refunds will not be given. A Secondary Suite that does not
have a Secondary Suite Occupancy Permit shall be assessed the same flat rate as a regular Dwelling
Unit.
59. Flat rate charges shall be due and payable on the first day of the year. A 5% penalty will be applied on
any outstanding balance after March 31st. An additional 5% penalty will be applied on any outstanding
balance after July 2nd, and further 5% penalty will be applied after September 2nd.
60. Flat rate charges for the year in which approval of a Water Service Connection is granted shall be
prorated from the date of approval of Water Service application, and are due and payable in advance.
61. Flat rate charges for the supply of water to premises under construction via meter bypass prior to the
installation of a Water Meter shall be prorated from the date of approval of Water Service application,
and are due and payable in advance, at the rate set out in Schedule "A".
62. An owner or occupier of a parcel that is outside of the Agricultural Water Rate Area and does not have
a Water Service, but is adjacent to the Waterworks System, shall pay the amount set out in Table I(8)
of Schedule "A".
Metered Users
63. The owner or occupier of premises that has a metered Water Service must pay quarterly charges
calculated using the following rates set out in Schedule "A":
(a) for water delivered to a premises located within the Water Area, the rates per cubic metre
set out in Table II(1);
(b) for water delivered to a premises located outside the Water Area and outside the TFN
Lands, the rate per cubic metre set out in Table II(2)(a); and,
(c) for water delivered to any other premises located within the TFN Lands, the rates per
cubic metre rates set out in Table II(2)(b).
64. Despite section 63, the owner or occupier of a premises that:
(a) has a metered Water Service;
(b) is located within the Agricultural Water Rate Area; and,
(c) is assessed as Class 1 (Residential) or Class 9 (Farm) under the Assessment Act and its
regulations;
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must pay quarterly charges calculated using the rates per cubic metre of water delivered to the
premises set out in Table II(3) of Schedule "A".
65. If a quarterly charge under sections 63 or 64 is less than the minimum quarterly charge specified for
that type of metered water Service Connection in Table II of Schedule "A", the owner or occupier must
pay the minimum quarterly charge instead.
66. Charges for metered water consumption are due and payable quarterly on the last day of the month
following the date of billing, and are subject to a 10% penalty where unpaid after the last day of the
month following the month of billing.
67. In the event that the Director determines that any Water Meter appears to be malfunctioning, the
Corporation may charge the owner or occupier an amount based on the average consumption as
determined by the Director.
68. The Director may allow an adjustment of charges for metered consumption charges where the owner
or occupier of the premises establishes, to the satisfaction of the Director, that wastage of water
occurred during the billing period in question due to accidental damage to the Water Service pipes or
fittings on the premises that was beyond the control of the owner or occupier, and that the owner or
occupier exercised all reasonable diligence to prevent or minimize the wastage including the repair of
the damage within 96 hours of the earlier of the date of discovery or date of notification.
Any owner or occupier may request the testing of a Water Meter on their premises by providing the
security deposit specified in Schedule "A", which deposit the Corporation may retain if testing indicates
that the meter is accurate within 2%, and in the case of greater inaccuracy the Corporation must return
the deposit to the owner or occupier and the charges for metered water consumption imposed under
this bylaw during the previous twelve month period shall be adjusted to account for the inaccuracy.
69. Any Person requesting the reading of a Water Meter not conducted by the Corporation in its ordinary
billing cycle, the inspection of a cross connection control device, or the testing of flow rate or pressure
at a hydrant or standpipe, must pay the special meter reading fee set out in Table IV of Schedule "A".
Standpipe Users
70. Every Person who withdraws water from a hydrant or standpipe pursuant to a permit issued under
section 37 must pay:
(a) the flat rate charges if using an unmetered hydrant or standpipes; or,
(b) the charge for each cubic metre of water withdrawn if using a metered hydrant or
standpipe;
as specified in Table V(3) of Schedule "A".
71. If a quarterly charge under section 71(a) is less than the minimum quarterly charge specified under
Table V(3)(a) of Schedule "A", the owner or occupier must pay the minimum quarterly charge instead.
Irrigation Water Service Users
72. The owner or occupier of a parcel that is assessed as Class 9 (farm) under the Assessment Act and its
regulations, or as approved by the Director, must pay the per folio user charge set out in Table I(5) of
Schedule "A".
Curb Stops
73. A Person requesting that a Curb Stop be turned off or turned on must pay the fee specified in Table IV
of Schedule "A".
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74. The Director may waive the charges for turning off and turning on a Curb Stop if the Curb Stop was
turned off, in the Director's opinion, for the purposes of responding to an emergency and the
emergency was was not the result of the owner or occupier committing a contravention of this bylaw.
75. The Corporation may supply a Curb Stop key on loan to any Person approved by the Director if the
security set out in Table IV Schedule "A" has been provided, and the Corporation may retain the
security if the key is not returned within 14 days.
Discharge Applications
76. Any Person who requests that the Corporation review its registered interest in a parcel and consider
whether it is prepared to discharge a right-of-way, easement or other charge that permits the
installation or maintenance of water, on private land, the requestor must pay the fee specified for right-
of-way discharge review in Table IV of Schedule "A".
Part 8 Conditions of Supply
77. It is a condition of use of the Water Service or withdrawing water from the Irrigation Water System that
each consumer agrees that:
(a) the Corporation does not guarantee constant water pressure or a continuous supply of
water, and the Corporation reserves the right at any and all times, without notice, to
change operating conditions for the purposes of making repairs, extensions, alterations or
improvements or for any other reason;
(b) the Corporation does not guarantee that water will be free of sediment, deposit or other
foreign matter;
(c) if the consumer requires water for processes which require a guaranteed supply and
pressure, or a critical standard of purity, the consumer shall, at their expense, provide
such equipment as necessary to provide the required standards and to protect such
equipment from damage due to variations in or cessation of the municipal water supply;
(d) the Corporation shall not be responsible for the accuracy of records with respect to the
location of any works, or for costs incurred by the parties relying on such records; and,
(e) the Corporation shall not be liable for any expense in connection with any portion of a
Water Service located on the premises of a consumer, except the cost of placing or
repairing meters or remote readers.
Part 9 General Provisions, Enforcement and Penalty
78. The owner or occupier of premises to which water is supplied by the Corporation must permit
employees and agents of the Corporation to have clear access to the premises at reasonable times for
the purpose of maintenance, repair, replacement, monitoring water consumption by means of meter
readings, and inspecting the premises in relation to wastage of water or use of water in contravention
of water use restriction orders.
79. No Person shall, without the authorization of the Director, alter, repair, tamper with or make any
connection to the Waterworks System.
80. No Person shall connect to the water supply system of any premises, apparatus, fitting or fixture that is
likely to cause pressure surges, noise or any other disturbance likely to annoy any other user of the
Waterworks System or damage the Waterworks System or the water supply works, fittings or fixtures
on other premises.
81. No Person shall obstruct any portion of the Waterworks System of the Corporation including the placing
of any material on or in the vicinity of any water main, hydrant or Water Service pipe, and the Director
may direct the removal of any such obstruction and invoice the Assessed Cost of that removal to the
Person who placed it.
13
82. No Person shall perform any excavation or blasting in proximity to any water main without first
ascertaining the location of the water main and obtaining the written permission of the Director.
83. No Person shall sell to any other Person any water supplied by the Corporation through the
Waterworks System or the Irrigation Water System.
84. No Person shall provide to any other premises, any water supplied to that Person's premises by the
Corporation through the Waterworks System or the Irrigation Water System, unless approved by the
Director.
85. Any Person who:
(a) contravenes, violates, or fails to comply with any provision of this bylaw;
(b) suffers or allows any act or thing to be done in contravention of this bylaw; or,
(c) fails or neglects to do anything required to be done under this bylaw;
commits an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine of not more than Ten Thousand
Dollars ($10,000.00), and where the offence is a continuing one, each day that the offence is
continued shall constitute a separate offence.
86. This Bylaw may be enforced:
(a) by a Peace Officer, Bylaw Enforcement Officer, or the Engineer;
(b) by means of a ticket in the form prescribed for the purpose under the Community Charter,
and fines imposed for offences under The Corporation of Delta Municipal Ticketing
Information Bylaw No.6639, 2007;
(c) by proceeding brought under the Offence Act; or,
(d) by means of a bylaw notice and penalty imposed by a bylaw of the Municipality under the
Local Government Bylaw Notice Enforcement Act.
87. Under the provisions set out in the Community Charter, any fees or penalties assessed by the
Corporation that are unpaid by the property owner by December 31 may be collected in the same
manner as for property taxes.
88. Neither failure to enforce this Bylaw, nor any error, omission, or other neglect in relation to the
enforcement of this Bylaw, shall be interpreted as giving rise to a cause of action in favour of any
Person.
89. No occupier of federal Crown land shall be provided a supply of water from the Waterworks System
unless the occupier enters into a written agreement with the Corporation by which the occupier agrees
to comply with the provisions of this bylaw, and other provisions (e.g. Limits to the consumption of
water to a volume specified in the agreement).
90. Delta Waterworks Rates and Regulation Bylaw No. 5781, 2000 and amendments thereto are repealed.
91. Annacis Island Water Area Rates and Regulation Bylaw No. 4096, 1987 and amendments there to are
repealed.
92. Schedules "A" through "E" form part of this bylaw.
14
READ A FIRST TIME the
7th
day of
March, 2016.
READ A SECOND TIME the
7th
day of
March, 2016.
READ A THIRD TIME the
7th
day of
March, 2016.
FINALLY CONSIDERED AND ADOPTED the
4th
day of
April, 2016.
"Lois E. Jackson"
Lois E. Jackson
Mayor
"Robyn Anderson"
Robyn Anderson
Municipal Clerk
15
SCHEDULE "A"(1)
CITY OF DELTA
WATER USER RATES
I.
FLAT RATES (ANNUAL)
$
1)
Dwelling Units
For each un-metered Dwelling Unit
For each un-metered Dwelling Unit (other than a Secondary Suite with a
Secondary Suite Occupancy Permit) occupied by no more than one Person
(established by an annual declaration of the fact submitted to the Finance
Department during the applicable year).
For each un-metered Secondary Suite with a Secondary Suite Occupancy
Permit.
752.00
652.00
552.00
2)
Business, Industrial and Other
For each business, industrial or other non-domestic use
790.00
For each business combined with un-metered domestic use
790.00
plus rate applicable to
domestic premises
3)
Church
For each church building (including church hall)
752.00
4)
School
For each classroom
752.00
5)
Farm Irrigation
For each folio assessed as Class 9 (farm) under the Assessment Act
800.00
6)
Buildings Under Construction
For all buildings under construction
Rate applicable to the building
once constructed
7)
All users outside Water Area and outside TFN Lands (Tsawwassen
First Nation) Per Parcel
1,654.00
8)
All parcels outside of the Agricultural Water Rate Area, without a
Water Service, but adjacent to the Waterworks System, Per Parcel
100.00
Amend BL
8537, 2025
Schedule 8537-1
Schedule 8537-2
SCHEDULE "A"(2)
CITY OF DELTA
WATER USER RATES
II.
METERED CONSUMPTION RATES
$
1)
Consumers in Water Area
Per cubic metre (first 125 cubic metres per quarter)
1.47
Per cubic metre (per each cubic metre thereafter)
1.97
Minimum quarterly charge
25.00
2)
Consumers Outside Water Area
a)
Consumers outside Water Area and outside TFN Lands (Tsawwassen First Nation)
Per cubic metre
3.34
Minimum quarterly charge
418.00
b)
Consumers in TFN Lands
Per cubic metre (first 125 cubic metres per quarter)
1.47
Per cubic metre (per each cubic metre thereafter)
1.97
Minimum quarterly charge
25.00
3)
Agricultural Consumers (Agricultural Water Rate Area)
Per cubic metre (first 8,000 cubic metres per quarter)
1.47
Per cubic metre (per each cubic metre thereafter)
1.97
Minimum quarterly charge
25.00
Amend BL
8537, 2025
SCHEDULE "A"(3)
CITY OF DELTA
WATER USER RATES
III.
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
DEPOSIT
$
Water Service Connection that is 19mm or less installed at property
line for a serviced lot, including meter chamber and components
N/A
6,800.00
Installation of a meter for a serviced lot (19mm or less), where the
existing Service Connection is less than twenty-five years old
Water Service Connection that is 50mm in diameter installed at
property line for a serviced lot, including meter chamber and
components
3,500.00
N/A
Assessed Cost
12,000.00
All other Water Service Connections
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
IV.
SERVICE AND DISCONNECTION FEES
$
Disconnection of Water Service Connection (capped at Curb Stop)
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
Discontinuance of Water Service Connection (capped at main)
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
Reactivation of Water Service Connection
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
Locating and repairing Curb Stop
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
Turn off and turn on Curb Stop
100% of Estimate
Assessed Cost
Loan of Curb Stop key (refundable deposit) - (deposit forfeited after 14 days)
145.00
Deposit for testing a meter
445.00
Test flow rate and pressure at hydrant or standpipe
320.00
Test flow rate and pressure at hydrant or standpipe where more than two pressure
readings are required
480.00
Special meter reading
103.00
Return attendance Fee
108.00
Sprinkling permit for new landscaping
60.00
Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Reports
25.00
Any service or work not otherwise specified in this schedule
Assessed Cost
RIGHT OF WAY DISCHARGE APPLICATIONS
Offset fee for review of municipal right of way discharge application
346.00
V.
FEES FOR USE OF HYDRANTS AND STANDPIPES
$
1)
Security Deposit
Refundable subject to cost of any required repairs, which will be billed at Assessed Cost
a) Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
b) Meter
1,000.00
1,600.00
2)
Inspection fee
Non-refundable
253.00
3)
Charge for water
a)
Flat Rate
For first day
For each subsequent day
b)
Metered
Per cubic metre
Minimum quarterly charge
277.00
157.00
3.34
1,069.00
4)
Permit Fee
50.00
Schedule 8537-3
Amend BL
8537, 2025
Schedule 8537-4
Amend BL
8537, 2025
Amend BL
8537, 2025
Schedule 8537-5
SCHEDULE "D"
CITY OF DELTA
SPRINKLING PERMIT FOR A NEW LAWN
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF THIS PERMIT
Newly established lawns, either by seeding or the laying of new sod
or turf, or lawns being treated using nematodes may be issued a
permit.
This permit is to be posted inside a clear window located on the
subject property with the reverse side facing the street, and must be
displayed at all times up to and including the expiry date shown.
This permit enables the subject property owner to water their new lawn
and landscaping every day for a period of three weeks in accordance
with the expiry date noted but is restricted to morning hours between
5:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M for automatic watering and 6:00 A.M. to 9:00
A.M. for manual watering.
The issuing of permits for residential and non-residential properties is
only permitted during Stage 1 of the Water Use Restriction General
Order. No new permits issued or renewed after Stage 1. Any violations
of this permit will be subject to maximum fine levied against the
property owner as issued in accordance with "Delta Bylaw Notice
Enforcement Bylaw No. 7009, 2011".
Bylaw Enforcement
City of Delta
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
PLEASE CALL 604-946-3260
SCHEDULE "E"
CITY OF DELTA
Water Use Restriction General Order
CITY OF DELTA
WATER USE RESTRICTION GENERAL ORDER
INTERPRETATION
1. In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires, terms are used as defined
in the section entitled 'Glossary and Terms'.
2. The restrictions in this Schedule apply to the use of water supplied by the
waterworks system of the City of Delta, whether or not the water is mixed with
water from other sources.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
3. When General Restrictions are in force, a person must not:
(a) use a hose unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shut-off device;
(b) allow water to unnecessarily run off on impermeable surfaces such as
driveways, curbs, pathways, or gutters when watering lawns and plants;
(c) water an artificial playing turf or outdoor track, except for a health and
safety reason;
(d) allow hoses and taps to run unnecessarily; or
(e) allow irrigation systems to be faulty, leaking, or misdirected.
STAGE 1 RESTRICTIONS
4. Subject to section 5 of this Order, when Stage 1 Restrictions are in force, a
person must not:
(a) water any lawn, except at:
(i)
residential premises with even numbered civic addresses, on
Saturday mornings between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. for
automatic watering and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for manual watering;
(ii)
residential premises with odd numbered civic addresses, on Sunday
mornings between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. for automatic
watering and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for manual watering;
(iii) non-residential premises with even numbered civic addresses, on
Monday mornings between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. for
automatic watering and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for manual watering;
or
Amend BL
8114, 2022
(iv) non-residential premises with odd numbered civic addresses, on
Tuesday mornings between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. for
automatic watering and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for manual watering.
(b) water any trees, shrubs, and flowers excluding edible plants, except at:
(i)
residential premises, on any day between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to
9:00 a.m., if using a sprinkler;
(ii)
residential premises, on any day at any time, if using a handheld
hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation;
(iii)
non-residential premises, on any day between the hours of 4:00
a.m. to 9:00 a.m., if using a sprinkler; or
(iv)
non-residential premises, on any day at any time, if using a
handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation;
(c) water any playing field, except:
(i)
soil-based playing fields, on any day between the hours of 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 a.m.; or
(ii)
sand-based playing fields, on any day between the hours of 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
5. Section 4 of this Order does not apply to:
(a) a person who waters a lawn at premises described in a permit authorizing
such watering, provided the person is and has been at all times in
compliance with the permit;
(b) soil or sand-based playing fields operating under an approved Water
Management Plan;
(c) filling of pools, spas, water parks and foundations, sprinklers actively in
use by children; or
(d) watering vegetable gardens.
STAGE 2 RESTRICTIONS
6. Subject to section 7 of this Order, when Stage 2 Restrictions are in force, a
person must not:
(a) water any lawn;
(b) water any trees, shrubs, and flowers excluding edible plants,
except at:
(i)
residential premises, on any day between the hours of 5:00 a.m.
to 9:00 a.m., if using a sprinkler;
(ii)
residential premises, on any day at any time, if using a handheld
hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation;
(iii)
non-residential premises, on any day between the hours of 4:00
a.m. to 9:00 a.m., if using a sprinkler; or
(iv)
non-residential premises, on any day at any time, if using a
handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation;
(c) water any playing field, except:
(i)
soil-based playing fields, on no more than 4 days in a 7 day period
between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.; or
(ii)
sand-based playing fields, on any day between the hours of 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 a.m.;
(d) water the fairway of any golf course, except at any time on any 1
day in a 7 day period;
(e) wash sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs or other impermeable
outdoor surfaces, unless the purpose of washing the surface is:
(i)
for a health or safety reason; or
(ii)
to prepare a surface for painting, or similar treatment; or
(iii) aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation;
(f) operate any water park unless the water is activated by user-
activated switches;
(g) use water to top up or fill an aesthetic water feature;
(h) be issued or renewed a permit authorizing exemption to Stage 2
watering restrictions.
7. Section 6 of this Order does not apply to:
(a) a person who waters a lawn at premises described in a permit authorizing
such watering during Stage 1, provided the person is and has been at all
times in compliance with the permit;
(b) soil or sand-based playing fields operating under a permit authorizing
such watering or an approved Water Management Plan;
(c) golf courses operating under an approved Water Management Plan;
(d) watering:
(i) the tee-off areas and putting greens of golf courses; or
(ii) vegetable gardens.
STAGE 3 RESTRICTIONS
8. Subject to section 9 of this Order, when Stage 3 Restrictions are in force, a
person must not:
(a) water any:
(i) lawn;
(ii) trees, shrubs, and flowers, excluding edible plants, unless such
watering is carried out using a handheld hose, water container, or
drip irrigation;
(b) water any playing field, except:
(i) soil-based playing fields, on no more than 3 days in a 7 day period
between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.;
(ii) sand-based playing fields, on no more than 5 days in a 7 day
period between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.;
(c) water any golf course fairway;
(d) wash boats or motor vehicles, except to clean windows, lights, mirrors,
licence plates, and boat engines for safety;
(e) wash sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs or other impermeable outdoor
surfaces, unless the purpose of washing the surface is:
(j) for a health or safety reason; or
(ii) to prepare a surface for painting, or similar treatment by a
commercial cleaning operation;
(f) operate a commercial car wash, except if:
(i) the facility installed an automatic vehicle wash system before
November 1 2017, and is operating on a basic wash and rinse
cycle only;
(ii) the facility installed an automatic vehicle wash system after
November 1 2017, and is operating using a water recycling system
that achieves a minimum 60% water recovery rate over the full
wash cycle; or
(iii) the facility is a hand wash and self-serve facility, and is operating
using high-pressure wands or brushes that achieve a maximum
flow rate of 11.4 litres per minute;
(g) operate water parks unless the water is activated by user-activated
switches;
(h) use water to top up or fill aesthetic water features, hot tubs, or swimming
pools, except:
(i) pools and hot tubs with a permit to operate in accordance with
health authorities having jurisdiction over pool and hot tub
regulation.
9. Section 8 of this Order does not apply to:
(a) soil or sand-based playing fields operating under a permit authorizing
such watering or an approved Water Management Plan;
(b) golf courses operating under an approved Water Management Plan;
(c) watering:
(i) the tee-off areas and putting greens of golf courses; or
(ii) vegetable gardens.
STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS
10. Subject to section 11 of this Order, when Stage 4 Restrictions are in force, no
person shall:
(a) water, or use drip irrigation on:
(i) any lawn or landscaping, including at premises described in a permit
issued under Stage 1 restrictions authorizing such watering;
(ii) residential or non-residential flower gardens;
(iii) residential or non-residential vegetable gardens;
(iv) decorative planters;
(v) shrubs or trees;
(vi) golf courses;
(vii) turf farms;
(viii) soil and sand-based sports playing fields;
(ix) municipal parks;
(x) cemeteries;
(xi) ornamental lawns;
(xii) grassed boulevards;
(xiii) school yards;
(b) wash boats or motor vehicles, except to clean windows, lights, mirrors,
licence plates, and boat engines for safety;
(c) use a hose to wash sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs or other
impermeable outdoor surfaces, unless the washing has been ordered
by a regulatory authority having jurisdiction for a health or safety reason;
(d) operate a water park;
(e) use water to fill or refill aesthetic water features, hot tubs, or swimming
pools; or
(f) operate a commercial car wash.
11. For greater certainty, section 10 of this Order applies to all areas of:
(a) golf courses, including those operating under an approved Water
Management Plan;
(b) soil and sand-based playing fields, including those operating under a
permit authorizing such watering or an approved Water Management
Plan;
(c) turf farms;
(d) municipal and commercial water parks;
(e) municipal outdoor pools;
(f) sports playing fields, including those operating under an approved Water
Management Plan; and
(g) school yards.
GLOSSARY AND TERMS
'Aesthetic cleaning' means the use of water for cleaning when it is not for a
health or safety reason.
'Aesthetic water feature' means a fountain, pond, or other water feature that
primarily serves an aesthetic purpose. It does not include ponds that contain fish.
'Automatic watering' means applying water using an automated water delivery
system that requires only minimal human intervention or supervision and typically
employs mechanical, electronic, or other components and devices, including but
not limited to timers, sensors, computers, or mechanical appliances.
'Automatic shut-off device' means a device attached to a water hose that shuts
off the supply of water automatically unless hand pressure is applied to operate
the device.
'Automatic vehicle wash system' includes:
'Conveyor vehicle wash' a commercial vehicle washing facility where the
customer's vehicle moves through an enclosed conveyance mechanism
during the wash.
'In-bay vehicle wash' a commercial vehicle washing facility where the
customer parks the vehicle inside a bay, and the vehicle remains stationary
while a spray mechanism moves over the vehicle to clean it.
'Basic wash and rinse cycle' means a process sequence in an automatic
vehicle wash system that consists of a single wash stage followed by a single
rinse stage and no additional processes or optional stages; typically this is the
minimum level of service that a customer can select, where total water usage is
less than 200 litres per vehicle.
'Commercial cleaning operation' means a company, partnership, or person
that offers commercial cleaning services, including pressure washing, window
cleaning, and other similar building cleaning services, to the public for a fee.
'Commercial vehicle washing' means commercial vehicle washing services
offered to the public for a fee, but excludes car dealerships, fleet vehicle washing
facilities, and charity car washes.
'Drip Irrigation' means an irrigation system that delivers water directly to the
root zone of the plant at a low flow rate through individual emission points
(emitters) using droplets of water and excludes sprinkler irrigation systems,
micro-spray systems, misting systems, and soaker hoses.
'Edible plant' means a plant grown for the purpose of human consumption.
'Golf course' means the greens, tee areas, and fairways that are designed and
maintained as playing surfaces for golf, but does not include rough areas or
lawns that are not maintained as playing surfaces.
'Hand wash and self-service facility' a commercial vehicle washing facility
where the facility's staff wash the customer's vehicle, or the customer wash their
own vehicles with spray wands and brushes.
'Health and safety reason' means a precaution necessary to protect health and
safety, including the removal of contaminants, bodily fluids, slip and fall hazards,
controlling pests, and suppressing and controlling dust.
'Impermeable surface' means a material added to the surface of the ground, or
on the exterior of a building or structure that is impermeable to water, including
but not limited to glass, wood, concrete, asphalt, paving stones, and other similar
materials.
'Lawn' means a cultivated area surrounding or adjacent to a building that is
covered by grass, turf, or a ground cover plant such as clover, including areas
such as boulevards, parks, school yards and cemeteries, but excluding golf
courses, soil-based playing fields, and sand-based playing fields.
'Manual Watering' means applying water using a device or tool that is manually
held or operated by a human being, without automatic watering.
'Non-residential' includes properties zoned for a permitted use other than a
residential use, including commercial, industrial, institutional, mixed residential
and non-residential uses, local government, provincial, or federal uses including
road rights of way and school, college and university uses.
'Odd-numbered civic address' or 'Even-numbered civic address' means the
numerical portion of the street address of a property, and in the case of multi-unit
commercial or residential complex such as townhouses, condominiums or other
strata-titled properties, means the numerical portion of the street address that is
assigned to the entire complex, and not the individual unit number.
'Residential' means a property zoned for single-family or multi-family residential
use.
'Sand-based playing field' means a playing field that is constructed with a
highly permeable sand-based root zone typically 30 to 40 centimetres deep over
a drainage system with drain pipes bedded in gravel, and is designed and
maintained to be playable year-round.
'Soaker hose' means a garden hose or pipe with small holes that allow water to
seep into the ground, to the roots of plants, discharging water through the entire
length of its porous surface.
'Soil-based playing field' means a playing field that is covered with grass, sod
or turf that is designed and maintained to be played upon, or that is used for
sporting or other community events and activities, but does not include lawns,
golf courses, or sand-based playing fields.
'Water Management Plan' a plan proposed by the owner or operator of a golf
course, soil-based playing field, and sand-based playing field operators and
approved by the local government having jurisdiction. The plan sets out terms
such as water use targets during the different stages of Metro Vancouver's
Drinking Water Conservation Plan, restrictions to reduce water use, and reporting
requirements for the owner or operator.
'Water play park' a recreational facility that is primarily outdoors, including spray
pools and wading pools, spray parks, splash pads, and water slides.
'Watering lawn' means applying water to a lawn with any device or tool
including but not limited to a sprinkler, hose, mister, or drip irrigation.
SCHEDULE "F"
CITY OF DELTA
Draft Golf Course Water Management Plant
PART 1 - OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION:
This Water Management Plan (the Plan) is being
submitted for review and approval by Director of
Engineering, as permitted in Section 32 of the Delta
Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016 and in
alignment with Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water
Conservation Plan (DWCP).
In submitting this Plan, the golf course acknowledges
its responsibility to manage its irrigation water use for
maximum efficiency and to eliminate water wastage
in the maintenance of turf and their operations.
The Plan applies to the use of drinking water
supplied by your local government from the Greater
Vancouver Water District (GVWD) water system.
This Plan uses a volume-based approach to watering
golf courses in order to provide the golf course
operator flexibility in irrigation scheduling for asset
management, while striving for increased efficiency
and water conservation.
The Plan is effective during the period of May 1 to
October 15 (the "Restriction Period"), and subject to
review and updates according to best management
practices.
GOLF COURSE:
LOCATION:
(Address, City)
CONTACT:
Superintendent or GM
(Name, E-mail, Phone)
ALTERNATE CONTACT:
(Name, E-mail, Phone)
DATE OF SUBMISSION:
Amend BL
7744, 2018
PART 2 - GOLF FACILITY INFORMATION
1. a) Area characteristics
Irrigated Area
Please circle:
acres / sq. ft. / ha / m2
Turf Type
(e.g. bent grass, poa
annua, perennial rye,
fescue, bluegrass, other)
Soil Type
(e.g. sand, soil, other)
Green
Tees
Fairw
Roug
Drivin
Lawn
s
Flowe
r beds
Other
Total
b) Adjustment factor for under-irrigation of roughs
What is the average irrigation intensity for roughs, as a percentage of fairways?
_____ %
Adjusted area = total area - (100% - rough adjustment factor) x area of roughs
= __________ acres / sq. ft. / ha / m2
2. Method of calculating irrigated areas
Physical measurement
Calculations from scaled air
photos
GPS Survey
Other:________________________________________________________
3. Description of irrigation system
Please describe the type of irrigation system used in each area (e.g.
computerized/automatic systems, electric/hydraulic heads, head control, weather
station, block system, operating program etc.) (Attach irrigation plan if available)
a. Greens & Tee Boxes:_______________________________________________
b. Fairways:_________________________________________________________
c. Roughs:__________________________________________________________
d. Other (landscaping etc.):_____________________________________________
PART 3 - WATER USE INFORMATION
4. Seasonal historic water use: May 1 - October 15 of the past five years
Date
Drinking
Water
Other Water
Sources
Total Water
Use
Notes
(e.g. drivers, restriction
stages)
please circle: m3 / US gal. / imp. gal. / cu. ft.
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Baseline (average)
Total irrigated area
(from Question 1)
Baseline per unit
of area
See Attachment 2
5. Method of measuring water use (e.g. meter, pump flow rate and run time):
a. Drinking water:____________________________________________________
Frequency: _______________________(e.g. monthly)
b. Other water source:________________________________________________
Frequency: _______________________(e.g. monthly)
6. Other water sources
Please describe other sources of supply
PART 4 - MEASURES TO CONSERVE AND REDUCE WATER USE
During the Restriction Period, the following water use targets are agreed upon with
escalating water conservation measures and volumes corresponding to stages of the
Delta Water Service Bylaw 7441, 2016 and Metro Vancouver's DWCP. Escalation of
stages is in response to declarations made by Metro Vancouver, through the GVWD
Commissioner who has the authority to activate or deactivate stages of the DWCP at
any time in response to water shortages, or emergencies.
7. Stage 1 water use target (May 1 - Oct 15)
a. Baseline seasonal total water use (average of past 5 years, from Question 4)
= __________ m3
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
b. Adjust Stage 1 water use target as required: ____________ m3
(See Attachment 2)
8. Water use targets
Maximum total drinking water use per month for entire golf course area:
Stage
Drinking Water Use Target
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct 1-15
Total
Stage 1a
Stage 2b
Stage 3c
Stage 4
No irrigation with drinking water is permitted
a. Seasonal total from Question 7
b. 75% of Stage 1 water targets
c. 60% of Stage 1 water targets
NOTE: See Attachment 2 for methodology for setting drinking water use targets,
including adjustment for availability of non-drinking water in a drought year.
Water efficiency plan
Please select all water efficiency practices that are regularly used by the golf course,
and indicate the areas each strategy is applied. Further details may be attached to
this Plan (e.g. existing water efficiency plan).
Strategies
Areas Applied (please circle all that
apply)
Aeration ____ x per year
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
Soil wetting agents
Regular irrigation system
maintenance
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
Increasing mowing heights
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
Water loss monitoring
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
Over seeding
greens / tees / fairways /
roughs
Naturalizing out-of-play areas
Water-free equipment cleaning
methods
Water efficiency infrastructure and strategies
Please describe water efficiency infrastructure currently in use on the golf course
(e.g. automatic shut-off valves, moisture sensors, satellite upgrades for head control,
increased pipe size, closed loop wash water system, scheduling software, PRVs,
sprinkler heads, staff training, customer communication etc.).
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Other efficiency initiatives in use
Please describe any changes to golf course operations to meet water reduction
targets during restriction periods (see Question 8).
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Projects planned
Please describe any projects planned in the upcoming years that may have an
impact on water use, either in a single year or on an ongoing basis (e.g. equipment
upgrades/repairs, planting etc.).
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
PART 5 - REPORTING
9. Annual report
An annual report is to be submitted in writing to the Director of Engineering by
January 30 of the year following the year of the plan (Attachment 1).
Annual Report Requirements: Summary of monthly total and drinking water
usage (m3 / US gal. / imp. gal. / cu. ft.) during the Restriction Period and an updated
map of golf course grounds.
10. Status reports
Status reports will be required more frequently if higher restriction stages are
enacted, according to the following schedule:
Status reporting periods:
Monthly, Stages 1 and 2
Every two weeks, Stage 3
Status reporting requirements: Water usage per month (m3/US gal. imp. gal./cu.ft.)
In the event of water restriction escalation, the City of Delta will read the local
government water meter register on the day of the water restriction escalation to
verify consumption to-date. The reduced water use target will be calculated using
the verified water meter consumption and provided to the golf course operator in
writing.
Delta staff will verify consumption against regular and spot-check local government
meter readings and collate results in a monitoring report to be shared with the golf
course operator over the period of the Plan.
PART 6 - TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
The Director of Engineering may terminate or suspend the Plan by notifying the golf
course owner in writing.
The golf course owner may terminate the Plan by notifying the Director of
Engineering in writing, in which case the Plan is to terminate on the later of the date
specified in the notice or the date on which the Director of Engineering receives the
notice.
In the event of termination of the Plan, the scheduling restrictions set out in Delta
Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016 and in alignment with Metro Vancouver's
Drinking Water Conservation Plan will apply.
This Plan has been reviewed and is authorized by signatures of the Director of
Engineering and [authorized representative of the Golf Course].
_____________________________
________________
Name
Date
Title
_____________________________
________________
Name
Date
Title
ATTACHMENT 1 - WATER USE REPORT
Golf Course: ______________________________________________________
Water Management Plan submitted by: _____________________
_______________
(Signature and title) Date
Water Management Plan approved by: ______________________
______________
(Signature and title) Date
Requirements
Participating golf courses are required to report actual monthly water use to the
Appointed Officer, as per the _________________ Bylaw.
Date
Restriction
Stage
Drinking
Water
Other Water
Sources
Total Water
Use
Notes
please circle: m3 / US gal. / imp. gal. / cu. ft.
Please provide a current map of the golf course that clearly shows all irrigated areas, as
an attachment to this report.
ATTACHMENT 2
GUIDE FOR ESTABLISHING AND ADMINISTERING
GOLF COURSE WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS
Developing a Water Management Plan (the Plan) is optional under Metro Vancouver's
DWCP, requiring both the local government and the golf course owner to opt in and
agree on terms. This template is intended as a guideline for developing and
administering a Plan that complies with the Metro Vancouver DWCP and is tailored to
individual golf course and local government needs and priorities.
DEFINITIONS
Evapotranspiration (ET): The combined amount of water that is evaporated from soil
and plant surfaces (evaporation) and released through the plant (transpiration); a
parameter calculated from weather data, available at
http://www.farmwest.com/climate/et. ET represents the total amount of water that is
required to maximize plant growth.
Moisture deficit (MD): The difference between measured ET and effective
precipitation; a parameter calculated from weather data, available at
http://www.farmwest.com/climate/et. MD represents the component of ET that is not
replaced by natural precipitation and therefore relies on irrigation to maximize plant
growth.
Reference Evapotranspiration (ET) - The ET rate calculated from weather data for a
grass reference crop using a modified Penman Monteith Equation, which is the standard
method recommended by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.
Rough: Playable areas of long grass adjacent to fairways and surrounding greens.
Excludes natural or forested areas.
Water use intensity: The amount of water used for irrigation per unit of irrigated land
area.
Water use target: The maximum amount of drinking water that the golf course is
expected to use in a given month or season while the DWCP is in effect. Although
targets may be exceeded from time to time due to hotter and drier than average
weather, it is expected that water use on average will be less than the agreed targets.
SETTING BASELINE AND ESCALATION TARGETS
It is recommended that a baseline water use target be established for Stage 1 by
comparing historical water use with a calculated water budget based primarily on
irrigated area and climate.
Stage 1 (Baseline) Water Use Target
1. Default Stage 1 target is the average water use for the five years prior to
establishing the Plan. Target values should include seasonal total water use
(May 1 - October 15), and maximum weekly water use. Usage during the season
may be estimated from water billing amounts by netting out the daily average
inter use, or using golf course water meter readings or irrigation scheduling
records.
2. A water use target is established for each month during the irrigation season
under Stage 1. Historical water use by the golf course may be used as a
baseline. Based on historical average MDs at Vancouver International Airport1,
the following monthly profile may be used to establish or validate monthly water
use targets.
Month
Percent of Total Seasonal
Moisture Deficit (MD)
May
18%
June
22%
July
26%
August
22%
September
12%
October 1-15
0%
Total
100%
Actual monthly water use may vary widely from the historical average MD, based
on variations in weather from year to year, and actual soil moisture capacity at
the golf course.
3. The default Stage 1 target should be validated using calculated irrigation
requirement based primarily on local climate and irrigated area. The method is as
follows:
a. Adjust the total irrigated area for under-irrigation of roughs (Part 2,
Question 1.b). For example, if the roughs are irrigated at 75% of the
intensity of fairways on average, reduce the effective irrigated area of
roughs by 25%, and adjust the total irrigated area of the golf course
accordingly.
b. Next, convert total water use to water use intensity based on the total
irrigated area, and the adjusted total irrigated area, as follows (imperial or
metric units):
Water use intensity (inches) = 44.22 x total water use (million imp.
gal.) / irrigated area (acres); or
Water use intensity (mm) = 0.1 x total water use (m3) / irrigated
area (ha)
On average, golf courses in Metro Vancouver are estimated to use 10.6
inches (270mm) per year of water from all sources, on average for all
irrigated areas (including greens, tees, greens collar/apron areas,
fairways, roughs, and practice areas)2
c. The irrigation requirement for individual golf courses varies based on
course location, soil conditions, irrigation system efficiency, and the
proportions of water intensive areas (greens and tees) to less water
intensive areas (fairways and rough) that are included in the irrigated
area. The following guidelines may be used for validating historical water
use against benchmark water use.3
1 Farmwest.com, accessed November 28, 2017
2 Calculated from 2016 GVRD Golf Course Water Use Survey, Allied Golf Association of BC
3 Adjustment factors are based on data tables in Turf and Landscape Irrigation Scheduling, Irrigation Industry Association
of BC, 2004. https://www.irrigationbc.com/files/free/Turf_Irrigation_Scheduling_Nov_2004.pdf Adjustments for soil type
are conservative estimates based on the varying capacities of different soil types to act as a reservoir to store early
season moisture and reduce the irrigation requirement in May and June, and varying losses to deep percolation.
Grass reference ET for local climate (refer to Farmwest.com for historical
average for other weather stations. Calculated historical average grass
reference ET from a weather station on the golf course may also be
used).
i. Langley, Pitt Meadows
9 inches
(230mm)
ii. Cloverdale, Ladner
11 inches
(280mm)
iii. Vancouver
14 inches
(360mm)
d. Adjust ET for plant type (typically 0.75 for turfgrass) and allowable stress
(assume 0.8 on average for a golf course). Adjusted ET = grass
reference ET x 0.75 x 0.8 = ET x 0.6.
Reduce ET by 40%.
e. Adjust ET for native soil type
i. Clay, clay loam, silt loam
reduce by 10%
ii. Loam, sandy loam, loamy sand
no adjustment
iii. Sand
increase by 10%
f. Adjust ET for irrigation system efficiency to determine the irrigation
requirement. Newer systems with efficient sprinkler heads, good layout
and zone control are typically at least 80% efficient. Older systems with
less efficient sprinklers and sub-optimal head layout and zone control
may be 70% to 75% efficient.
Irrigation requirement = ET / efficiency x 100%
NOTE: An allowance for low system efficiency in the target should be
accompanied by a firm plan or commitment by the golf course owner to
improve the system efficiency within a specific timeframe (e.g. through
capital asset renewal).
4. The local government determines whether the historical average will be used as
the Stage 1 target, or if an adjustment should be made based on Step 3 and
discussed with the golf course operator. If historical demands are significantly
different from the adjusted benchmark, potential reasons for the difference
should be discussed, and investigated as needed. These may include error in
measurement or estimation of flows or irrigated areas, or high leakage losses in
the water distribution system on the golf course.
5. Estimate the drinking water use target by subtracting historical non-drinking
water usage from the total water use target.
Stages 2 and 3 Water Use Targets
1. Default Stage 2 targets are 75% of Stage 1 targets. It is expected that this target
can be achieved through reducing the application rates for all irrigated areas
(stressing turf grasses and/or increasing use of wetting agents), particularly
fairways and rough areas.
2. Stage 3 targets are 60% of Stage 1 targets. To achieve this target, irrigation of
some rough and fairway areas will likely need to be stopped altogether or
reduced to the extent that significant die-off will occur. Increased irrigation will
likely be necessary for at least one season following a Stage 3 event to restore
healthy and durable turf.
3. Stages 2 and 3 targets are applied only to the irrigation that occurs when the
stage is in effect, based on the monthly Stage 1 targets.
4. Where the golf course relies on drinking water as a secondary source, and has a
primary source that is vulnerable to drought, municipal water use limits at each
stage should be estimated by determining total water use targets, and reducing
the totals by the quantity of non-drinking water expected to be available at each
stage. A large reduction in the available quantity of water from a pond, aquifer or
stream during a drought may result in an increased requirement for drinking
water despite a reduction in total water usage of 25% or 40%.
5. No outdoor use of drinking water is permitted under Stage 4.
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ADMINISTRATION
Reporting
The Plan typically requires golf courses to report water use monthly during the irrigation
season under Stage 1, and more frequently under Stages 2 and 3. Golf courses are
also required to submit annual reports at the end of each season. Consideration should
be given to reporting protocols that minimize the level of effort needed to prepare, submit
and review reports. For example, it may be sufficient to report annually at the end of the
irrigation season under Stage 1.
Performance Assessment
The Stage 1 target applies to an average year (average weather). Water use may be
greater than the target in a dry year where restrictions are not escalated beyond Stage
1, or less in a wet year. Moisture deficit data for the nearest weather station
(Farmwest.com) or at the golf course may be used to adjust targets in each month
relative to the historical average. For example, for July 2017 at a golf course near
Vancouver Airport:
July 2017 target
= July target x July 2017 MD / historical average MD
= July target x 125mm / 108mm
= July target x 1.16
Some flexibility is necessary in assessing weather-dependent water use against a fixed
water efficiency target. Although it would be possible to set a target that varies with
weather, managing water use against such a target is technically complex and has
relatively high potential for error.
Communication
Although the Plan is an effective water conservation and drought response mechanism,
it may be perceived as unfair by residents who are required to adhere to schedule
restrictions, and cease lawn irrigation altogether under Stage 3. It is recommended that
the structure and overall performance of the Plan be clearly communicated to the public.
Elements of a communication program should include:
-
Signage and website content that can be displayed by golf courses that includes
consistent messaging throughout the region, and includes Metro Vancouver and
local government logos.
-
Website content and articles in local media, in partnership between Metro
Vancouver, local governments and industry organizations that explain the
program and its benefits in terms of water conservation, drought response, and
continuity of services during a water shortage.
Plan Review and Renewal
It is recommended that Plans be reviewed on a five year cycle, at which time water use
targets and water efficiency plans may be adjusted as required. More frequent
adjustment of targets, particularly based on historical water use, may introduce "target
creep", reducing the effectiveness and fairness of the Plan.
Where a golf course has consistently exceeded its water use targets, or where actual
water use above targets is not consistent with weather or other acceptable causes, the
golf course and local government should develop a shorter-term plan (e.g. 1 or 2 years)
to achieve targets. If targets cannot be achieved, the Plan should be terminated.
EXAMPLE
The following is a hypothetical example based on data from several actual golf courses
operating under water management plans in Metro Vancouver.
A golf course in Vancouver reports its irrigated area as 30 ha, including 15 ha of roughs
and 3 ha of greens and tees. The superintendent estimates that roughs are irrigated at
50% of the intensity of fairways on average based on the sprinkler system layout. Native
soils are predominantly sandy loam.
In the past five years, the total reported water use has averaged 60,000 m3, including
40,000 m3 from the City and 20,000 m3 of non-drinking water from a large pond on the
property that collects and stores runoff from the property and groundwater from a well.
In 2015, the golf course superintendent recognized that the non-drinking water source
would only be capable of supplying 10,000 m3 due to the unusually hot, dry weather in
late spring that year, and requested permission to use an additional 5,000 m3 from the
City, which was purchased in June to top up the pond before Stage 2 and 3 restrictions
came into effect.
The golf course has approached the City to request a water management plan be put in
place.
Stage 1 Target
1. Based on the historical usage, the default Stage 1 municipal water use target is
40,000 m3/year. It is expected that 20,000 m3/year will be provided from non-
drinking water sources.
2. The golf course does not have historical monthly water use data. Based on
reference ET for Vancouver Airport and quarterly water billing data, the monthly
water use targets are estimated as follows:
Month
Total (m3)
Drinking Water Target
(m3)
Non-Drinking
Water Target (m3)
May
11,000
6,500
4,500
June
13,000
9,000
4,000
July
16,000
9,000
7,000
August
13,000
9,000
4,000
September
7,000
6,500
500
October 1-15
-
-
-
Total
60,000
40,000
20,000
3. Historical water use is checked against a climate based water budget:
a. Roughs are irrigated at 50% of the intensity of fairways, so the effective
irrigated area is reduced by 50% of the rough area: 30 ha - (15 ha x
50%) = 22.5 ha.
b. The default annual target represents a gross water use intensity of 0.1 x
(60,000 m3 / 30 ha) = 200 mm/year over the total irrigated area, which is
significantly less than the reported regional average of 270 mm/year.
This suggests that the golf course is already likely using water more
efficiently than the regional average.
The adjusted intensity is 0.1 x (60,000 m3 / 22.5 ha) = 267 mm/year.
c. The reference ET for Vancouver is approximately 360 mm/year.
d. The reference ET is adjusted for plant type (assume 0.75 for turfgrass)
and allowable stress (assume 0.8 on average for a golf course). Adjusted
ET = 360 x 0.6 = 216 mm/year.
e. No adjustment is made for soil type (clay loam).
f. The irrigation system is assumed to be 80% efficient, typical of a newer
golf irrigation system. The irrigation requirement is 216mm / 80% x 100%
= 270mm.
4. The calculated irrigation requirement is almost exactly the same as the historical
average; therefore the annual target is validated. No adjustment to the annual or
monthly targets is necessary.
5. The total water requirement is 60,000 m3, of which the Stage 1 target drinking
water use is 40,000 m3.
Stages 2 and 3 targets
During the time that Metro Vancouver is under Stage 2, the total water use by the golf
course is reduced by 25%, and under Stage 3 it is reduced by 40%. Monthly targets for
total water use are shown in the following table.
Drinking water use targets for this golf course must also take into account a potential
reduction in the availability of non-drinking water in a drought year. Based on the 2015
scenario, it is assumed that the non-drinking water supply availability would be reduced
by 50% in a drought year (under Stages 2 and 3), as follows:
Stage
Non-Drinking Water Availability
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct 1-15
TOTAL
Stage 1
4,500
4,000
7,000
4,000
500
-
20,000
Stage 2
2,250
2,000
3,500
2,000
250
-
10,000
Stage 3
2,250
2,000
3,500
2,000
250
-
10,000
The drinking water use targets are the difference between total water use targets and
non-drinking water supply estimates under each stage, and in each month.
Stage
Drinking Water Use Target
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct 1-15
TOTAL
Stage 1
6,500
9,000
9,000
9,000
6,500
-
40,000
Stage 2
6,000
7,750
8,500
7,750
5,000
-
35,000
Stage 3
4,350
5,800
6,100
5,800
3,950
-
26,000
Stage 4
No irrigation with drinking water is permitted
Stage
Total Water Use Target
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct 1-15
TOTAL
Stage 1
11,000
13,000
16,000
13,000
7,000
-
60,000
Stage 2
8,250
9,750
12,000
9,750
5,250
-
45,000
Stage 3
6,600
7,800
9,600
7,800
4,200
-
36,000
Stage 4
No irrigation with drinking water is permitted