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.
Restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15. Currently Stage 1 restrictions are applied.
Lawn watering is allowed:
Lawn watering is allowed:
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 4 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 1 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device. Power washing is permitted.
There are no restrictions.
Lawn watering is allowed:
Lawn watering is allowed:
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 4 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
Sprinklers (hose-fed, irrigation) are allowed any day, 1 am to 9 am
Allowed any day, any time:
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
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.
Topping up or filling of fountains and decorative water features not permitted.
Lawn watering prohibited. Water Exemption Permits issued in Stages 1 or 2 remain in effect until they expire.
Lawn watering prohibited. Water Exemption Permits issued in Stages 1 or 2 remain in effect until they expire.
Sprinklers, irrigation systems, and soaker hoses prohibited.
Allowed any day, any time:
Sprinklers, irrigation systems, and soaker hoses prohibited.
Allowed any day, any time:
Only washing of items necessary for safe operation are allowed:
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.
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 prohibited. All Water Exemption Permits are null and void.
Lawn watering prohibited. All Water Exemption Permits are null and void.
Watering of decorative and edible gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters prohibited.
Watering of decorative and edible gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters prohibited.
Only washing of itemes necessary for safe operation are allowed:
Outdoor surface and power washing prohibited except if ordered by a regulatory authority for health and safety reasons.
Topping up or filling of decorative water features and all pools and hot tubs are prohibited.
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).
Residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional properties are all required to follow these restrictions. The City enforces water use restrictions to: