Water Use Restrictions

Watering restrictions help manage demand for drinking water during the summer, periods of water shortages, and in emergencies. Most precipitation in Metro Vancouver occurs between November and April. Dry summer months lead to an increase in water use, particularly for the outdoor activities that are included in the regulations. In some cases, like this summer, watering restrictions may also help to keep water use at a level that protects the system while key infrastructure is under construction.

Several factors added pressure on the regional water system, including dry conditions, low snowpack, and forecasts for a dry summer.

Although the reservoirs were full in early May, snowpack was at approximately half of normal levels. In addition, hot, dry weather is in the long-range forecast. Since there may be limited rain through the summer and not much snow melt to replenish the reservoirs, we need to conserve water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. 

Water use in this region increases significantly when it is sunny and warm, mainly due to lawn watering and outdoor water use, which is why water restrictions are necessary to conserve water.

Trees and shrubs provide communities with shade, intercept stormwater, store carbon, create habitat, and help cool our cities during dry and warm weather. It’s important to ensure trees and shrubs, especially ones with shallower roots, are adequately watered to protect their health. Metro Vancouver continues to promote efficient watering practices for trees and shrubs and selecting species that are suitable for climate conditions and require less watering. 

Watering vegetable gardens is permitted any day, any time under Stages 1, 2, and 3.

Vegetable gardens, especially large community food production plots, require the time and the means, such as regular watering, to ensure they flourish. This is one way that we can support the local food system and people who garden for food. We encourage everyone to use practices for efficient watering of vegetable gardens. This includes watering the roots and deep soil to keep the leaves and vegetables dry or selecting vegetables to suit the growing conditions of a particular area.

The intent of this restriction is to prevent the operation of water play parks that are not highly used and have running water all the time regardless of use. The decision to operate a water play park without user-activated switches during a heat wave would be at the member’s discretion.

Car and boat washing is allowed only with a shut‑off nozzle, which significantly reduces water waste. The largest water savings come from eliminating lawn watering, which uses far more water than occasional car or boat washing.

However, reducing or spacing out car washing is a great way to conserve water. Choosing to wash your vehicle only when truly needed can meaningfully cut down on overall household water use.