As part of our commitment to preserve our limited drinking water supply, the RMOW is putting forward a bylaw amendment for Council consideration that puts a clear end date on the installation of new once-through water cooling systems and phases out existing systems over five years.

Commonly found in commercial appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and ice machines, once-through cooling systems use substantial volumes of water and put undue stress on Whistler’s water supply and wastewater system. For context, one system uses approximately 1.6 million liters of treated drinking water a year, enough to fill half an Olympic swimming pool.

The proposed 2025 amendment to our Once Through Water Usage Bylaw will prohibit new installations of once-through equipment after December 31, 2025, and require all existing systems be disconnected from the RMOW’s potable water supply system by the end of 2030.

To help inform how we roll out this transition, we want to hear what impacts Whistler business operators may face when retrofitting their systems, and if these recommended timelines are viable for replacing your once-through units.