Stage 1 water restrictions in effect September 1
From May 1 to October 15, Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect, to help manage water use during the high-demand months. The plan has four stages, each introducing stricter restrictions as needed.
Metro Vancouver has reverted to Stage 1 water restrictions as of September 1, 2026.
See the detailed list of restrictions here.
Learn more about Metro Vancouver’s reservoir levels and water supply and demand—conditions are shown and updated weekly during the high-demand season, from May through October.
Stage 1 water restrictions
Watering regulations are in effect from May 1 to October 15. During Stage 1, watering is allowed during certain times:
Residential lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays
Odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
- Automatic watering: 5–7 a.m.
- Manual watering: 6–9 a.m.
Trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Sprinklers: 5–9 a.m., any day
- Hand watering, soaker hose, or drip irrigation: anytime
Vegetable gardens
- anytime
Non-residential lawn watering
Stage 1 non-residential watering is allowed during certain times:
Even-numbered addresses on Mondays
Odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays
- Automatic watering: 4–6 a.m.
- Manual watering: 6–9 a.m.
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 4–9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand-watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
In cases of mixed zoning, where commercial or industrial components are included on the same property as residential, the property is designated as “Non‐Residential.”
Visit the Metro Vancouver website for more information.
How to Report a Bylaw Violation
Failure to comply with watering regulations may result in fines. Before contacting Bylaw, please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Date and time of infraction
- Street address or other location information
- A detailed description of what you observed
- Photo of infraction (optional)
- Your name and contact information
To report an infraction of watering restrictions, please contact Bylaw by phone 604-925-7152 (please leave a detailed voicemail) or email bylawdept@westvancouver.ca
Sprinkler Permits
Seasonal lawn sprinkling regulations are in effect from May 1 to October 15 annually. To water lawns outside of permitted regular sprinkling hours, a special lawn sprinkling permit is required.
No sprinkler permits will be issued during Stage 2, 3, and 4 water restrictions.