The following rules apply to all stages of water regulations:
- All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
- Water must not unnecessarily run-off onto surfaces such as driveways, curbs, pathways, etc. when watering plants
- Hoses and taps must not run unnecessarily
- Irrigation systems must not be faulty, leaking, or misdirected.
Though the same rules apply across the entire Metro Vancouver area, slightly different rules are in effect for residential, non-residential, and government/school/parks properties.
To learn more about Metro's water stages and what you can or can't do in each stage review their Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary.
Enforcement of Watering Regulations
The City works with Metro Vancouver to help communicate Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions and collaborates with City Bylaw Services to enforce these requirements. The City’s watering rules are outlined in the Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw.
For bylaw concerns, contact Bylaw Services at 604-982-8302 or email bylaw@cnv.org. Note that all bylaw complaints must include your name, address, etc. - learn more on the Bylaw Complaint Process page.
Metro Vancouver has four stages of water conservation restrictions:
- Stage 1 - reduces demand in summer months, and is automatically in effect from May 1 until October 15.
- Stages 2 and 3 - activated by Metro Vancouver during unusually hot and dry conditions to maximize water conservation. No lawn watering is permitted during these stages, and sprinklers/soaker hoses are also prohibited in Stage 3.
- Stage 4 - activated by Metro Vancouver based on the rare occurrence of a significant emergency, such as an earthquake, flood, severe weather, etc. to immediately limit water use to essential needs only. All outside uses are prohibited.
Metro Vancouver decides when the decision to move to increased stages of water restrictions. Learn more at Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP).
Lawn watering permits are not issued during Stage 2 Water Restrictions.