A sprinkler sprays water on grass

Watering restrictions begin May 1

April 23 2024 –

Starting on May 1, seasonal regulations go into effect limiting lawn watering to one day per week for Vancouver homes and businesses. These watering restrictions remain in place until October 15 and help conserve drinking water during our hotter, drier months. Watering outside these times could result in a $250 fine.  Metro Vancouver sets the rules around watering restrictions and the City enforces these rules through its bylaw (280 KB).

Permitted watering times

Lawns in Vancouver generally need only one inch of water for one hour each week, including rainfall, to stay healthy and green. Brown lawns will enter a dormant state and return lush in the fall during rain. Residents can check their permitted watering times through the Van311 app or online.

Stage 1 Residential lawn watering allowed: 

  • Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5am and 7am, and manual watering between 6am and 9am.
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5am and 7am, and manual watering between 6am and 9am.
  • Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5am and 9am, or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.

Stage 1 Non-residential lawn watering allowed: 

  • Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4am and 6am, and manual watering between 6am and 9am.
  • Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4am and 6am, and manual watering between 6am and 9am.
  • Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4am and 9am, or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.

Our drinking water reservoirs, which are managed by Metro Vancouver, are at normal seasonal levels and on target to be full by mid-May. However, there will be less opportunity for those reservoirs to be replenished by snow melt with the early April snowpack at 56 per cent of the historical average, and spring and summer forecasts calling for prolonged periods with little rain and above-average temperatures.

Summer water demand is primarily driven by lawn watering and outdoor uses. Abiding by watering restrictions is the best way for residents to help conserve drinking water and avoid escalation to Stage 2 which includes an outright ban on lawn watering. Vancouver has strong outreach and enforcement programs in place to support reduced use of drinking water across the region which peaks during summer. Residents who witness watering restriction violations can report online, via the Van311 app or by calling 3-1-1.

Background

  • Watering restrictions are enacted through Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation By-law 12086  (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 fewer rainy days, the region is becoming more susceptible to droughts and less available drinking water each year.
  • Residents with automatic watering systems can access a free service provided by the City of Vancouver to ensure your system is operating efficiently and complies with watering regulations. Call: 604 358 8596 or email: water@vancouver.ca for details.