Metro-Van Water Restrictions Start May 1 No Matter What
From: Renata Da Silva [mailto:Renata.DaSilva@metrovancouver.org] On Behalf Of Linda Parkinson
Sent: March 28, 2025 9:56 AM
Subject: Drinking Water Conservation Plan – Annual Watering Restrictions Begin May 1
Stage 1 watering restrictions will be in effect from May 1 until October 15, 2025, during which lawn watering is only permitted one morning per week. These restrictions are outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
Globally, the year 2024 was the warmest year on record and here in the region we can continue to expect longer hotter summers and milder winters, in addition to the fast-growing population, which put pressure on the region’s drinking water supply and system.
2025 Water Supply Update and Conservation
Currently, the region’s source reservoirs are at normal seasonal levels. The reservoirs get filled every winter and spring by precipitation and snowmelt, and that water needs to last through the summer and into the fall when the rain usually returns. It is too early to tell how the relatively dry winter will affect our water supply, but Metro Vancouver is proactively monitoring the weather conditions and actively managing the infrastructure that delivers our drinking water.
Metro Vancouver typically has adequate water supply through the summer for where it is needed most: drinking, cooking, and cleaning. It is important that we all continue to take measures to conserve our water supply. Without strong adherence to Stage 1 watering restrictions, there is always a chance that we may need to ban lawn watering to ensure the water in our source reservoirs will last until the fall rain is back.
We urge you to encourage your customers to adhere to Stage 1 watering restrictions and to promote sustainable lawn care and landscaping practices to prepare for this upcoming season. We also encourage you to schedule new lawn and landscape installations earlier in the spring before the warm, dry weather period. This will ensure lawns and plants are established and are not stressed by weather conditions and would help you avoid the time of year when potentially Stage 2 could be activated resulting in a lawn watering ban.
Watering Restrictions Under Stage 1
Residential:
• Watering lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays:
o Automatic watering – from 5:00 am to 7:00 am
o Manual watering – from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
• Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers, excluding edible plants
o Any day from 5:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler
o Any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Non-residential:
• Watering lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Mondays and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
o Automatic watering – from 4:00 am to 6:00 am
o Manual watering – from 6:00 am to 9:00 am
• Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers, excluding edible plants
o Any day 4:00 am to 9:00 am if using a sprinkler
o Any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
In cases of mixed zoning (where commercial or industrial uses are on the same property as residential) the property is designated as “Non-Residential.”
Watering soil-based and sand-based playing fields are permitted as follows:
• Overnight from 7:00 pm to 9:00 am, except if:
o Watering newly over-seeded fields in compliance with a member jurisdiction permit
o Operating under a member jurisdiction’s approved water management plan
Learn more about Metro Vancouver’ water conservation resources
• Information on the stages of watering restrictions and resources for waterwise lawn care and waterwise gardening: https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions
• Water conservation educational resources: www.metrovancouver.org/welovewater
• Tips on eco-friendly lawns and gardens: www.growgreenguide.ca
If you have any questions regarding Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan, please contact Charu Bhanot at 236-333-8541 or at Charu.Bhanot@metrovancouver.org
Best Regards,
Linda Parkinson, P.Eng MBA (she/her)
Director, Policy, Planning, and Analysis
Water Services