The Metro Vancouver area experiences a 50% rise in potable water use, attributed primarily to lawn watering, during summer months.
Vancouver’s summer water use rises are less than area averages – at about 30 to 40% – thanks to a strong outreach and implementation program, and residents like you.
In 2022, Metro Vancouver brought in stronger grass watering restrictions to conserve our drinkable water supply and meet pressures from a growing population and climate change.
Water restrictions are part of the regional Drinking Water Conservation Plan External website, opens in new tab set by Metro Vancouver.
Regional water-use restrictions are in effect, irrespective of the weather. Starting May 1, we are in Stage 1 watering restrictions.
Lawn watering regulations
Stage 1: residential lawn watering allowed
- Even-numbered addresses: Saturday mornings
- Odd-numbered addresses: Sunday mornings
- Automatic watering: 5am to 7am
- Manual watering: 6am to 9am
Watering trees, bushes, and flowers is permitted any day from 5 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
Stage 1: non-residential lawn watering allowed
- Even-numbered addresses: Monday mornings
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday mornings
- Automatic watering: 4am to 6am
- Manual watering: 6am to 9am
Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is allowable any day from 4am to 9am if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Edible plants are exempt from regulations
Important info if you water outside of allowed times; you could be fined $250.
