With the first rays of sun shining down on the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver wants to remind residents that seasonal water restrictions will begin next month.
The regional district says in efforts to conserve water, residents and businesses will only be allowed to water their lawns once a week starting May 1 until October 15.
Metro Vancouver says that, due to a combination of a warm winter and a reduced snowpack, the metropolitan water supply is lower than usual.
“We have had a warm winter in Metro Vancouver and the snowpack, which helps boost our water supply as it melts through the spring and early summer, is below normal for this time of year,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of directors.
“It’s more important than ever to limit unnecessary water use by watering just once a week.”
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Residential lawn watering is permitted at even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays.
Automatic watering will be allowed between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and manual watering is permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is allowed any day between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. if using a sprinkler.
Hand watering or drip irrigation is allowed anytime, as long as they have an automatic shut-off device.
Non-residential lawn watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Mondays and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays.
Automatic watering is allowed between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and manual watering is allowed between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Metro Vancouver calls this “Stage 1” of its lawn watering restrictions.
“When the weather warms and demand is highest, we must conserve water for essential needs like drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as well as environmental flows to sustain fish populations,” argued Brad West, chair of Metro Vancouver’s water committee.
Rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system are exempted from the regulations.
Metro Vancouver also says water restrictions are necessary due to the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a project that has been under construction since December 2024.
This will replace the main water supply tunnel, which has been in service for almost 100 years.
Since the key supply pipes from the reservoirs on the North Shore have been removed as part of the replacement, Metro Vancouver says that high water demand “could affect water pressure and lead to extra restrictions.”
Once completed, the project will “meet current seismic standards and help ensure the continued reliable delivery of high-quality drinking water,” Metro Vancouver said.
Completion is expected by the end of 2029.