All water is one water. How is water important to you?
Our water is cycled endlessly through our environment, and we all play a big part in maintaining its quality. Being wise as to how we respect and use water is a big part of ensuring a health today and tomorrow.
Lawn sprinkling regulations
Lawn sprinkling regulations are in effect from June 1 to September 30. During this period, you can water your lawn ONLY during the following times and days.
- Even-numbered address: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Odd-numbered address: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays
- Even-numbered address: Mondays, Wednesdays
- Odd-numbered address: Tuesdays, Thursdays
- Both Even & Odd numbered address: Fridays (4 am to 9 am)
Water Wastage
Residents and businesses that waste water may be subject to a fine. Water wastage is defined as:
- causing, allowing or failing to prevent the free discharge or flow of water from a property, on or into a sanitary sewer, watercourse, storm drain, street or adjacent property;
- causing, allowing or failing to prevent leaking of water, from outdoor fixtures including irrigation systems, ponds, fountains and water features, from indoor appliances and plumbing fixtures and from heating and cooling devices;
- using and maintaining ponds, waterways, water features, fountains or swimming pools, which do not have a water recirculation device;
- using an irrigation system which applies water to an impervious surface; and
- using a water hose which is not equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Please note: If you water your lawn outside of the regulated days and hours listed above, you may be fined. If you would like to report incidences of lawn watering outside the regulations, phone 
.
The lawn sprinkling regulations have been in place since 1993 and are part of the regional Water Shortage Response Plan. This plan outlines outdoor water use restrictions, including lawn sprinkling, with the aim to conserve water so we can meet all our water needs throughout the dry summer months. The Water Shortage Response Plan is divided into four stages based on current water supply. The City of Vancouver is currently at stage one of the plan.
Frequently asked questions about sprinkling regulations
What if I'm not at home during my designated watering day?
Most lawns need about 25 mm (1 inch) of water per week, including rainfall, which can be easily applied on just one of your sprinkling days. The three times per week sprinkling regulation gives you flexibility if one of your allowed days is inconvenient (unless a once per week sprinkling regulation is in effect).
Why are parks and playing fields exempt from the regulations?
These areas are often too large to be effectively irrigated within the allowed sprinkling times. Also, most playing fields are built on a sand base for better drainage. Turf grown on a sand base can die if not watered. The high cost of replacing playing field turf is a poor use of public money.
[top]
Do sprinkling regulations apply to both gardens and lawns?
No. Under three times per week and once weekly sprinkling regulations, only lawn sprinkling is affected. If a total sprinkling ban is imposed then watering of vegetables, flowers and shrubs must be done by hand using containers or a hose with a spring-loaded shut-off. Drip irrigation systems are the most efficient method of watering cluster of plants and are exempt from sprinkling regulations.
I am using nematodes for biological treatment of European Chafer grubs in my lawn. How much water does my lawn need to have success with the nematodes?
Nematodes require moisture in the lawn for their mobility. A good rule of thumb is your lawn should be as moist as a wrung out sponge during application. The amount of water required to achieve this will depend on your lawn, soil depth, and weather conditions. The treatment against the European Chafer using nematodes can be successful within the lawn sprinkling regulations.
For cases nematode application is not possible within the sprinkling regulation, exemption permits will be permitted at a cost of $10. Permits are available from the Client Services Centre on the 5th Floor, 507 West Broadway.
Proof of nematode purchase will be required. Exemption permits are valid between July 1 and August 15, for a period of three weeks or August 15th, which ever comes first.
For more information about European Chafer, visit http://vancouver.ca/parks/info/pests/lawns.htm
[top]
Can I water street trees?
Although staff water newly planted trees during the first growing season, tree health and vigour are enhanced when residents help by watering during the dry periods. Trees respond best when the water is applied slowly over the root ball at a rate of about 20L (5 gals) per watering, twice per week. Water restrictions do not apply to the watering of new landscape trees. For more information visit the Street Tree Planting Program site.
How can I keep my new lawn alive during hot weather?
The City of Vancouver will grant permits allowing you to irrigate new lawns beyond our summer restrictions for a period of three weeks. You can purchase these permits from our Client Service Centre on the 5th Floor, 507 West Broadway for $35.31 with proof of purchase of lawn seed or sod. Three weeks of suitable watering will be adequate for establishing a healthy new lawn.
Why do we have sprinkling regulations when we receive so much rain?
Limited storage capacity means much of the rainfall and snowmelt in the Capilano and Seymour watersheds cannot be captured to be used later when dry weather comes. Years ago, this wasn't a problem, but recent population growth in the Lower Mainland has led to increased demand for water. The GVRD has implemented sprinkling regulations for the past few years to avoid more restrictive measures in the event of drought conditions. Sprinkling regulations also provide equitable lawn watering regulations throughout the Lower Mainland and are effective in controlling summer water demands.
Lawn Sprinkling Permits for new lawns are available from the Client Service Centre on the 5th Floor, 507 West Broadway for a cost of $35.31 and are good for three weeks. Proof of purchase of new lawn seed or sod is required.
The watering of flowers or vegetables is not affected. You may wash your car, wash down surfaces for painting, etc. unless stricter restrictions of the water shortage plan restrict these practices. However, we do ask that the public keep in mind that the summer months are the time of peak water use, while precipitation is minimal and that conservation measures be taken where possible, e.g. spring loaded nozzles on hoses.
For additional information, call the .
[top]