Lawn watering restrictions in effect throughout Metro Vancouver
Posted May 1, 2025 6:49 pm.
Last Updated May 2, 2025 7:00 am.
It’s that time of year again — the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) has issued lawn-watering restrictions.
Intended to help preserve the area’s drinking water supply, the restrictions take effect immediately.
“Our water use can increase by 50 per cent in summer and early fall, largely due to lawn watering,” the MVRD said.
“The region-wide watering restrictions are an effective way to help us use our drinking water wisely.”
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 between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m..
Edible plants are exempt from any restrictions, the MVRD says.
“Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan is a regional policy developed with local governments and other stakeholders to manage the use of drinking water during periods of high demand,” the regional district said.
“These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, gray water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the GVWD/municipal water supply system.”
The lawn-watering restrictions will remain in effect until Oct. 15.
