Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions begin May 1

With the first rays of sun shining down on the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver wants to remind residents that new seasonal water restrictions will begin next month.

The regional district says in efforts to conserve water, residents and businesses will not be allowed to water their lawns starting May 1 until October 15.

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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,” said Hurley, referring to Stage 1 limitations.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, residential lawn watering is permitted at even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays.

As of May 1, lawn watering will not be permitted at any point, but trees, shrubs, and flowers (excluding edible plants) can be watered “on any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, and on any day at any time if using a hand-held hose with automatic shut-off device, a soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation.”

“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.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story implied that Stage 1 water restrictions would be in effect as of May 1. In fact, Stage 2 water restrictions will be in effect as of May 1.