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

Water restrictions explained

Stage 2 in effect starting August 4

No lawn watering is allowed

  • Violation of Stage 2 restrictions may result in a $500 fine.
  • Watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15.

Pay your ticket

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

Vancouver’s summer water use increases are less than regional averages - at about 30 to 40% - thanks to a strong outreach and enforcement program, and residents like you.

In 2022, Metro Vancouver brought in stronger lawn watering restrictions to conserve our potable water supply and meet pressures from a growing population and climate change.

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. Starting May 1, we are in Stage 1 watering restrictions.

Lawn watering regulations

Stage 2: Residential lawn watering is not allowed

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 2: Non-residential lawn watering is not allowed

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.

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 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.

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.