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Home > Home, property, and development > Water, sewer, and energy > Water wise conservation > Water restrictions
Home, property, and development
Water restrictions are set by Metro Vancouver and apply to the use of treated drinking water.
Restrictions are in effect May 1 to October 15.
If you water outside of allowed times, you could be fined $250.
Hoses must have automatic shut-off device year round
Per the Water Works Bylaw 4848, automatic shut-off devices are required on hoses year round for all watering and washing activites, regardless of the current level of water restrictions.
Lawn watering restrictions
Currently in Stage 1.
Residential lawn watering |
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RestrictedEven-numbered addresses: |
RestrictedEven-numbered addresses: |
ProhibitedNo lawn watering allowed |
ProhibitedNo lawn watering allowed |
Non-residential lawn watering |
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RestrictedEven-numbered addresses: |
RestrictedEven-numbered addresses: |
ProhibitedNo lawn watering allowed |
ProhibitedNo lawn watering allowed |
Most lawns only need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. This is equal to one hour of watering.
Other residential water use restrictions
Flower gardens, shrubs, plants and trees |
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RestrictedSprinklers Allowed anytime:
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RestrictedSprinklers Allowed anytime:
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ProhibitedNo sprinklers allowed Hand watering, drip irrigation or spring-loaded shut-off nozzle ONLY |
ProhibitedNo watering allowed |
Vegetable gardens |
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Allowed
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Allowed
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Allowed
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ProhibitedNo watering allowed |
Car and boat washing |
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RestrictedSpring-loaded shut-off nozzle ONLY |
RestrictedSpring-loaded shut-off nozzle ONLY |
ProhibitedFor safety ONLY |
ProhibitedFor safety ONLY |
Surface and power washing |
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Allowed |
RestrictedFor safety or painting prep ONLY. |
RestrictedFor safety or painting prep ONLY. |
ProhibitedNot allowed unless ordered by a regulatory authority |
Full list of water use restrictions
The Metro Vancouver Water Shortage Response Plan lists all the water use restrictions for homes, businesses, governments, and schools for stages 1 to 4.
(642 KB)Water exemption permits
If you have a new lawn or you are using nematodes to treat your lawn for European Chafer Beetles, you may be eligible for a water exemption permit.
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.
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.
