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Seasonal restrictions on lawn watering come into effect May 1.

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Lawn watering restricted to one day per week in Metro Vancouver starting May 1

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 11:11 PDT, Tue April 9, 2024

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Seasonal restrictions on lawn watering will come into effect on May 1 throughout Metro Vancouver. Residences and businesses will be allowed to water their lawns a maximum of once per week to help conserve water.

"With a low snowpack this year and every expectation of a hot and dry summer, it's important that all residents make water conservation a priority," said George V. Harvie, chair of Metro Vancouver's Board of Directors. "Our water use plans are carefully tuned to respond to climate change and public demand, and we rely in part on residents doing the right thing by not wasting treated drinking water on their lawns."

Since late winter, Metro Vancouver has taken proactive steps to manage the water supply, including starting seasonal dam and reservoir operations earlier than usual to maximize water storage ahead of the dry season.

Reservoirs are on target to be full by mid-May with snowpack currently at 56 per cent of the historical average. Weather forecasts for this spring and summer anticipate prolonged periods with little rain and above-average temperatures.

Summer water demand is driven by lawn watering and other outdoor uses. An outright ban on lawn watering may be necessary if there's excessive outdoor water use in the coming months. Metro Vancouver will work proactively to promote water conservation through public education while supporting the local enforcement efforts of municipalities.

Weekly water consumption and reservoir level information will be published on Metro Vancouver's website starting on May 1.

"Last year, we had to ban lawn watering mid-summer because use of our treated drinking water for outdoor use was too high," said Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver's Water Committee. "This year, we're hoping to avoid escalating restrictions for as long as possible, but it really depends on you. Let your lawn go brown this summer, and save water for where it's needed most: cooking, cleaning, and drinking."

As of May 1, residents and businesses will be permitted to water lawns one morning per week during Stage 1 restrictions, with designated days determined by property address and type. Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered in the morning when using a sprinkler, or at any time when hand watered or using drip irrigation. Edible plants are exempt from the restrictions. Lawn watering restrictions will be in place from May 1 until October 15.

STAGE 1 RESIDENTIAL LAWN WATERING ALLOWED:

Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 am., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation

STAGE 1 NON-RESIDENTIAL LAWN WATERING ALLOWED:

Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation

These restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system. Municipalities enforce watering restrictions through local bylaws.

Metro Vancouver's water supply comes from rainfall and snowmelt in three mountain water supply areas that fill the Capilano, Seymour, and Coquitlam reservoirs.

Metro Vancouver collaborates with its member jurisdictions to plan for and deliver drinking water to nearly 2.8 million residents using a system of water supply areas, dams, treatment facilities, reservoirs, pump stations, and water mains. Upgrades are regularly made to the system to maintain the regional district's ability to reliably provide high-quality drinking water.

Find full restrictions, as well as ideas for how to maintain a healthy lawn, at metrovancouver.org/lawns.