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Water Use Restrictions & Regulations
During the summer our water use can double mainly due to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, and pressure washing outdoor surfaces. Region-wide regulations are an effective way to help use our drinking water wisely and reduce demands during these drier months. Watering outside of the allowed times could result in a $75 to $500 fine under the Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw No. 4838, 2018.
Duration
The region-wide water use restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15. By default, Stage 1 restrictions are activated starting May 1.
Stages
Lawn Watering
Residential
Lawn watering is allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses:
- Wednesdays and Saturdays
4 am to 9 am
- Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Odd-numbered addresses
- Thursdays and Sundays
4 am to 9 am
- Thursdays and Sundays
Lawn Watering
Non-Residential
Lawn watering is allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses
- Mondays 1 am to 6 am
- Fridays 4 am to 9 am
- Odd-numbered addresses
- Tuesdays 1 am to 6 am
- Fridays 4 am to 9 am
Gardens, Shrubs, Trees & Planters
Residential
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 4 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
- Soaker hose
Non-Residential
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 1 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
- Soaker hose
Residential Car & Boat Washing
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Outdoor Surfaces & Power Washing
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device. Power washing is permitted.
Decorative Water Features, Pools & Hot Tubs
There are no restrictions.
Lawn Watering
Residential
Lawn watering is allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses:
- Wednesdays
4 am to 9 am
- Wednesdays
- Odd-numbered addresses
- Thursdays
4 am to 9 am
- Thursdays
Non-Residential
Lawn watering is allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses
- Mondays
1 am to 6 am
- Mondays
- Odd-numbered addresses
- Tuesdays
1 am to 6 am
- Tuesdays
Gardens, Shrubs, Trees & Planters
Residential
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 4 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
- Soaker hose
Non-Residential
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 1 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
- Soaker hose
Residential Car & Boat Washing
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Outdoor Surfaces & Power Washing
Outdoor surface and power washing is allowed only for health and safety reasons or to prepare for painting/sealing. Washing must be done by a commercial company.
Decorative Water Features, Pools & Hot Tubs
Topping up or filling of fountains and decorative water features not permitted.
Lawn Watering
Residential
Lawn watering prohibited. Water Exemption Permits issued in Stages 1 or 2 remain in effect until they expire.
Lawn Watering
Non-Residential
Lawn watering prohibited. Water Exemption Permits issued in Stages 1 or 2 remain in effect until they expire.
Gardens, Shrubs, Trees & Planters
Residential
Sprinklers, irrigation systems, and soaker hoses prohibited.
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
Non-Residential
Sprinklers, irrigation systems, and soaker hoses prohibited.
Allowed any day, any time:
- Drip irrigation
- Hand watering (using a watering container or hose with an automatic shut-off device)
- No restrictions on edible plants
Residential Car & Boat Washing
Only washing of items necessary for safe operation are allowed:
- Boat Engines
- Licence Plates
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Windows
Outdoor Surfaces & Power Washing
Outdoor surface and power washing is allowed only for health and safety reasons or to prepare for painting/sealing. Washing must be done by a commercial company.
Decorative Water Features, Pools & Hot Tubs
Topping up or filling of decorative water features, pools, and hot tubs not permitted; pools and hot tubs with a valid permit issued by the local health and safety authority are permitted to operate.
Lawn Watering
Residential
Lawn watering prohibited. All Water Exemption Permits are null and void.
Lawn Watering
Non- Residential
Lawn watering prohibited. All Water Exemption Permits are null and void.
Gardens, Shrubs, Trees & Planters
Residential
Watering of decorative and edible gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters prohibited.
Non-Residential
Watering of decorative and edible gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters prohibited.
Residential Car & Boat Washing
Only washing of itemes necessary for safe operation are allowed:
- Boat Engines
- Licence Plates
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Windows
Outdoor Surfaces & Power Washing
Outdoor surface and power washing prohibited except if ordered by a regulatory authority for health and safety reasons.
Decorative Water Features, Pools & Hot Tubs
Topping up or filling of decorative water features and all pools and hot tubs are prohibited.
Drinking Water Conservation Plan
The full list of water use regulations for homes, businesses, governments, and schools is available in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary (PDF).
Purpose of Restrictions
Residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional properties are all required to follow these restrictions. The City enforces water use restrictions to:
- Accommodate for the region’s inability to capture, store and distribute water because of the limited capacity of the City’s watersheds
- Defer the costs of operating and expanding water supply and transmission facilities
- Help stabilize the increase in water consumption that takes place during the summer months
- Help sustain water for present and future generations
- Maintain consistent water pressure to customers