People watering their lawn using a sprinkler

Water restrictions explained

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

Regional water-use restrictions and are in effect May 1 to October 15, regardless of the weather.

Lawn watering regulations in effect May 1 to October 15

Stage 1: residential lawn watering allowed

  • Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 4am to 9 am
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday mornings, 4am 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.

Stage 1: non-residential lawn watering allowed

  • Even-numbered addresses: Monday mornings, 1am to 6am and Friday mornings, 4am to 9am
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday mornings, 1am to 6am and Friday mornings, 4am to 9am
  • Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted any day, from 1am 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.

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

Use our Can I water? tool to find rules for your address

Can I water today?

Review the three stages

Hoses must have automatic shut-off device year round

 Per the Water Works By-law 4848 and Drinking Water Conservation By-law 12086, automatic shut-off devices are required on hoses year round for all watering and washing activities, regardless of the current level of water restrictions.

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

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 ticket

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

What you can do

It's important to be water wise every day to protect our water. Find out how you can reduce your water use and protect our waterways.

Book a free irrigation assessment

Book a free assessment to get help setting your lawn and garden irrigation system to follow watering restrictions.

Water ticket problems

Ticket questions, errors, and disputes

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