Metro Vancouver is in a good position to meet the region’s future drinking water needs, according to a recent study.
The Water Supply Outlook 2120 report, released in July, presents key findings and actions to ensure the continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water to the region over the next 100 years. The region currently uses about 390 billion litres of water per year and water needs could grow to 600 billion litres per year by 2120.
The study assesses the water system’s resiliency to various challenges, such as population growth and impacts of climate change, and shows that the region is on the right track by planning for the Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Project to be in place by the mid-2030s. Once complete, the Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Project will help meet the region’s growing need for drinking water well into the future.
Beyond the Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Project, Metro Vancouver is well positioned to access additional water supply from within its existing three watersheds. Greater implementation of water conservation and efficiency programs can also reduce demands on Metro Vancouver’s water system, deferring the need for additional supply projects.
