More than $70k in watering restriction tickets issued in Vancouver in 1 week: city

Tens of thousands of dollars in fines have been issued to people in Vancouver found violating lawn watering restrictions.

This comes amid drought concerns province-wide.

The City of Vancouver says, as of July 9, 287 tickets — each $250 — have been handed out to residents found violating the Drinking Water Conservation By-law.

In the span of less than a week, nearly 400 warnings and education letters have also been issued.

The violations amount to $71,750 in total since July 9.

Related articles: 

• People asked to conserve water as province says B.C. drought already worse than October 2022

• Water restrictions likely on the way as B.C. faces drought: Minister

• Metro Vancouver pushes for water conservation amid drought concerns

Stage 1 lawn watering restrictions are currently in effect across Metro Vancouver until Oct. 15. Last year, the regional district extended its regulations due to “unseasonably warm and dry conditions.”

Stage 1 restrictions allow people to water their lawns on certain days, depending on their address. For example, under this stage, residential properties are permitted to water trees, shrubs, and flowers any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. if it’s done with a sprinkler, or any time if watering by hand or drip irrigation.

Even-numbered residential addresses are allowed to water lawns on Saturday mornings, while odd-numbered addresses get to do so Sunday mornings. Automatic watering is permitted from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., while manual watering is allowed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Stage 1 restrictions are in place from May to Oct. 15, unless they are extended or upgraded.

Earlier this week, people across Metro Vancouver were asked to be mindful and to help conserve water as the province faces what appears to be a perfect storm for drought conditions.

The province’s also urged British Columbians to help in conservation efforts, with the minister hinting at the possibility of additional restrictions.