Short sightedness of current water restriction stages, part 1

Here in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) we have 4 stages of water restrictions.  Beyond stage 2, we must water all gardens by hand, unless the garden is a commercial flower bed apparently.

Watering by hand is laborious and usually less effective than using a timed sprinkler.  Most of us get tired and bored of standing around with a hose.  The result is shallow watering which leads to shallow roots as the plant's roots have to come towards the surface to seek water.

The missing perspective in the water restrictions is that we need trees and plants to provide shade and to transpire into our environment.  If our gardens are shadier, they need less water.  If we have more vegetation, we will need to water less.

Think about walking down a sidewalk on a hot afternoon, not shaded by large street trees.  Then think about walking down a sidewalk on the same afternoon, under the canopy of large chestnuts or maples.  The difference in temperature is noticeable.  The following article breaks down the effect of vegetation more scientifically:  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCRN012.pdf/$FILE/FCRN012.pdf.

If we stop watering our gardens, we will lose a lot of vegetation, and the temperature will increase.