Watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15.
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 External website, opens in new tab 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 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
Important information If you water outside of allowed times, you could be fined $250.
Use the Can I water? tool to find rules for your address
Can I water today? External website, opens in new tab
Download the lawn and garden watering regulations infographic (English) PDF file (367 KB)
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.
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.