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 bylaws . 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.