A boy waters plants with a watering can with the help of an older man

Water restrictions explained

Stage 1 watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15.

Pay your water notice

The Metro Vancouver region experiences a 50% increase in drinking water use, attributed primarily to lawn watering, during summer months.

Vancouver’s summer water use increases are less than regional averages thanks to a strong outreach and enforcement program, and residents like you.

Water restrictions are part of the regional Drinking Water Conservation Plan set by Metro Vancouver.

Regional water-use restrictions are in effect, regardless of the weather.

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, shrubs, and flowers is permitted any day from 5am 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.

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 permitted 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

If you water outside of allowed times, you could be fined $250.

Most lawns only need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. This is equal to one hour of watering.

Understanding watering restrictions

Where our drinking water comes from

Our drinking water comes from rain and snowmelt collected in the Capilano, Seymour, and Coquitlam watersheds. With population growth and climate change, there is increasing pressure on our water supply. Water restrictions help to make sure we have enough treated drinking water for everyone during the dry summer months.

Pay your water notice

Pay water notice online, or pay by phone or in person. Pay within 14 days for a 50% discount.

Notice questions, errors, and disputes

Learn what to do if you have a question about your water notice or think you received a notice in error.