Sprinkler watering a lawn with a red prohibition symbol over it

Stage 2 watering restrictions begin May 1

April 28 2026 –

Metro Vancouver will activate Stage 2 watering restrictions , effective Friday, May 1, to help conserve drinking water during hotter, drier months. Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all lawn watering for homes and businesses in Vancouver.  
 
Metro Vancouver sets the rules around watering restrictions, and the City enforces these rules through its bylaw (280 KB). Watering infractions could result in a $500 fine under Stage 2 restrictions.

Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place, unless otherwise stated, until October 15. Based on current forecasts and system analysis, Metro Vancouver anticipates moving to Stage 3 in early June.

Stage 3 water restrictions would include an outright ban on all automatic irrigation (lawn and plants), as well as filling pools and water features, and washing motor vehicles and impermeable surfaces for aesthetic purposes.

The Province is advising regions with low snowpack to prepare for drought conditions, particularly if warm weather persists through the April to June period. While Metro Vancouver’s drinking water reservoirs are currently at typical seasonal levels, the local snowpack is about half of normal for this time of year and significantly lower than this time last year.

In addition, adhering to water restrictions will support ongoing work related to Metro Vancouver’s Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project , an upgrade that will improve the resilience of water supply to Vancouver and other municipalities. The First Narrows Crossing, one of the main supply pipes to Vancouver, has been out of service since last fall to allow for work to take place on the Stanley Park project. Following watering restrictions will help manage water demands so that normal water pressure is maintained.

Lawn watering regulations 

Stage 2 - Residential watering:  

  • Lawn watering is prohibited.   
  • Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered if using an automatic or manual sprinkler any day from 5 am and 9 am, or any time by hand or using drip irrigation. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
  • Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.

Stage 2 - Non-residential watering:  

  • Lawn watering is prohibited.
  • Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered if using an automatic or manual sprinkler any day from 4 am and 9 am, or any time by hand or using drip irrigation. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
  • Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.

Residents can check their permitted watering times for trees, shrubs, and other applications through the Van311 app or online.

Vancouver has a strong enforcement program in place to support restricted use of drinking water, particularly during peak summer demand. Residents who witness water restriction violations can report online, via the Van311 app or by calling 3-1-1.

Background

  • Seasonal water restrictions are in place each year, regardless of weather and typically begin at Stage 1. Summer water demand is primarily driven by lawn watering, plant irrigation, and outdoor uses. Abiding by watering restrictions is the best way for residents to help conserve drinking water during high demand periods. 
  • Water restrictions are enacted through Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation By-Law (280 KB). These restrictions help ensure there is enough treated drinking water for essential tasks like cooking, cleaning, and drinking during the dry summer months.  
  • Our water system was built to work with annual patterns of rain and snow in our climate, but our climate is changing and our need for water is growing. With summer demand for drinking water increasing, and on average fewer rainy days, the region is becoming more susceptible to droughts and water supply challenges.
  • For a full list of restrictions from Stage 1 to 4 review Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan .