Understanding Metro Vancouver Water Restriction Levels for 2016
In 2015 we had a very dry summer and found ourselves with unprecedented Level 3 water restrictions. We could be in for another hot dry summer and are already at Level 1 water restrictions. So, how might this affect our customers?
Last year as soon as Level 2 restrictions came on line, all exterior cleaning for esthetic purposes came to a halt. Window cleaning by water fed pole was not allowed, and neither was pressure washing. The only exceptions were if the work had to be done for health and safety reasons or in preparation for painting. Companies whose main source of business is window cleaning or pressure washing saw all of their work evaporate overnight (pun intended) and hundreds of staff were laid off.
Thankfully, Corporate Cleaning Services is a full service company and we do not rely on any one service to keep our lights on.
These restrictions did prompt a lot of discussion in the window cleaning industry as somehow it did not seem fair that commercial car washes were allowed to operate, and painting companies could use pressure washers, but window cleaning companies could not operate at all and many window cleaning technicians found themselves unemployed.
This year, Metro Vancouver (with the exception of Vancouver city) has changed the restrictions to allow window cleaning by water fed pole and pressure washing to occur under Stage 2 restrictions “if it is performed by a commercial cleaning company” and if a spring loaded nozzle is used. So, even if we do come to Stage 2 restrictions, these services will be allowed to be performed if necessary.
So, what are the ramifications of this rule change?
Our opinion, at Corporate Cleaning Services, is that we do need to protect our very precious water. Some clients will inevitably require window cleaning under Level 2 restrictions due to the fact that their business has annual or periodic inspections from head office, but for the majority of our clients I would recommend the following:
Assume that in 2016 we will find ourselves with Level 2 restrictions, and accelerate your plans for window cleaning services to be performed ASAP rather than later in the year. If your windows are cleaned now, and we go into a long dry spell, they will continue to look just fine until the end of the year when restrictions are lifted. There are currently no restrictions on this service at Level 1, and the reservoir is full, with snowmelt still occurring.
Should you find that you require this service at Level 2, we can certainly help you, but a little proactive planning will help protect our drinking water.