Watering Regulations
Region-wide water use restrictions are in effect from May 1 through October 15 every year. Stage 1 Restrictions start May 1.
Our water use can increase by 50% in summer and early fall, largely due to lawn watering. The regionwide watering regulations are an effective way to help us use our drinking water.
Can I Water Today? (Effective May 1 to October 15)
Use this search tool provided by Metro Vancouver to check if you can water today or view Drinking Water Conservation Plan: Summary.
Even-Numbered Addresses: Saturdays
- Automatic watering permitted 5 am–7 am
- Manual watering permitted 6 am–9 am
Odd-Numbered Addresses: Sundays
- Automatic watering permitted 5 am–7 am
- Manual watering permitted 6 am–9 am
Definitions
- Automatic watering: applying water in a way that does not need human intervention or supervision
- Manual watering: applying water in a way that needs to be manually operated and/or held
Residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees, Planters: All Addresses
- 5 am–9 am on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
- Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
- Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
- No restrictions on plants grown for food
Non-residential Addresses: Lawn Watering
Even-Numbered Addresses: Mondays
- Automatic watering permitted 4 am–6 am
- Manual watering permitted 6 am–9 am
Odd-Numbered Addresses: Tuesdays
- Automatic watering permitted 4 am–6 am
- Manual watering permitted 6 am–9 am
Non-residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters: All Addresses
- 4 am–9 am on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
- Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
- Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
- No restrictions on plants grown for food
Residential Car and Boat Washing
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Outdoor Surfaces and Power Washing
Hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Power washing is permitted.
Tip: Consider sweeping instead of using water to wash outdoor surfaces.
Decorative Water Features, Pools and Hot Tubs
There are no restrictions.
Tip: Fill up pools and hot tubs before the restrictions start on May 1. Cover them when they are not used to prevent evaporation and to keep it clean.
Water restrictions are part of the regional Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) set by Metro Vancouver.
Stage 2 Restrictions
Residential and Non-residential: All Addresses
Lawn Watering
- Lawn watering is prohibited
- Active water exemption permits remain in effect until they expire
- New water exemption permits will not be issued.
Residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters: All Addresses
- 5 am–9 am on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
- Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
- Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
- No restrictions on plants grown for food
Non-residential Addresses Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters: All Addresses
- 4 am–9 am on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
- Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
- Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
- No restrictions on plants grown for food
Residential Car and Boat Washing
Hose must be equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
Outdoor Surfaces and Power Washing
Permitted only for health and safety reasons or to prepare for painting/sealing. Washing must be done by a commercial company.
Tip: Consider sweeping instead of using water to wash outdoor surfaces.
Decorative Water Features, Pools and Hot Tubs
Topping up or filling of fountains and decorative water features is prohibited.
Tip: Fill up pools and hot tubs before the restrictions start on May 1. Cover them when they are not used to prevent evaporation and to keep it clean.
Stage 3 Restrictions
Residential and Non-residential: All Addresses Lawn Watering
- Lawn watering is prohibited
- All active water exemption permits are cancelled
- New water exemption permits will not be issued
Residential and Non-residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters: All Addresses
- Watering using hose-fed sprinkler, irrigation and soaker hose systems are prohibited
- Anytime, any day using drip irrigation system
- Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
Residential and Non-residential Car and Boat Washing
Only the washing of window, lights, mirrors, license plates and boat engines is permitted, for the safe operation of vehicles. Commercial vehicle wash facilities are prohibited to operate unless the facility:
- Has an automatic vehicle wash system installed before November 1, 2017 and is operating on a basic wash and rinse cycle only
- Has an automatic vehicle wash system installed after November 1, 2017 and is using a water recycling system with minimum 60% water recovery rate over the full wash cycle
- Is a hand wash and self-service facility using high-pressure wands or brushes that have a maximum flow rate of 11.4 litres per minute
Outdoor Surfaces and Power Washing
Permitted only for health and safety reasons or to prepare for painting/sealing. Washing must be done by a commercial company.
Tip: Consider sweeping instead of using water to wash outdoor surfaces.
Decorative Water Features, Pools and Hot Tubs
Topping up or filling of fountains and decorative water features is prohibited. Only pools and hot tubs with a valid permit issued by the local health and safety authority are permitted to operate.
