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.

Although the reservoirs are full in early May, snowpack levels are about half of normal. We are also anticipating a hot, dry summer with potential drought. Because there may be limited rain through the summer, and not much snow melt to replenish, there will be limited water to refill the reservoirs as they’re used. While we will have enough water for where it is needed most like 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.

Snowpack is at 55% of normal as of April 1 — much lower than in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts 2026 to be among the hottest years on record, similar to 2024.

• Car washes and pools: While visible in the community, car washes and pools, use relatively small amounts of water compared to lawn watering. Regional lawn watering restrictions are intended to reduce summer water demand while also preserving public and private assets/allowing local businesses to continue their work. Car washes, pools, and other water-using activities become restricted in Stage 3.
• Schools and playing fields: Because school fields and playing fields are a public amenity, they are permitted to be maintained during Stage 2 so that they remain available to the public during summer and fall. This also helps to prevent the loss of a public asset.
• Playing fields and golf courses: Playing fields and golf courses continue to be watered when they have an approved water management plan specific to their site. A water management plans allow operators a flexible and effective mechanism to manage their irrigation demands without negatively impacting playing conditions. In addition, golf courses often use supplemental sources of water and like most businesses around the region, are metered and pay for the amount of water they use which is generally an incentive to reduce drinking water use.

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.