No lawn watering will be allowed in Vancouver starting Aug. 4, as a measure to conserve drinking water.
Starting Friday, regional water restrictions set by Metro Vancouver and adopted by member municipalities are escalating to Stage 2.
The region has experienced a long period of warm, dry weather since May, along with early snow melt and higher-than-average water use. This drought is expected to continue into the fall.
Reservoir levels are expected to drop quicker than usual if the regional water consumption continues to be above average.
Stage 2 watering restrictions in Vancouver
Under Stage 2 water restrictions, residents are prohibited from watering lawns, topping up or filling aesthetic water features, and power washing of driveways and sideways.
Residential watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers is allowed from 5 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation.
Non-residential watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation.
Edible plants are exempt from the Stage 2 watering restrictions.
Background on watering restrictions
Metro Vancouver, including the City of Vancouver, activates Stage 1 water use restrictions each year from May 1 to Oct 15, in accordance with the Regional Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
Stage 1 restrictions limit lawn watering to one morning a week and Stage 2 restrictions prohibit residential/ commercial lawn watering.
Violating the rules could lead to penalties for Vancouver residents of up to $500.
Here's an explanation of the fines you could face when violating watering restrictions in Vancouver.
