Watering restrictions in Vancouver have been in effect since May 1, and not complying comes with a hefty fine.
The seasonal regulations are part of Metro Vancouver's efforts to conserve drinking water during the region's hottest and driest months.
During Stage 1 restrictions, the following is permitted:
Stage 1 residential lawn watering allowed
- Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
- Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.
Stage 1 non-residential lawn watering allowed
- Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
- Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.
When and how much is someone fined for violating watering restrictions?
Those who water outside of the allowed times "could be fined $250," notes the City of Vancouver on a page dedicated to explaining the bylaw.
Does "could" imply that not all who violate the bylaw will have to pay?
"The City responds to watering restriction violations when they are reported via our Van311 app or by calling 311," a City of Vancouver spokesperson tells V.I.A. "Bylaw officers also regularly patrol neighbourhoods to enforce watering restrictions."
However, the $250 fine will only be issued if a violation is witnessed by a bylaw officer.
If the violation wasn't actively witnessed by an officer but there is some indication of watering outside of permitted hours, such as a damp lawn and watermarks on the sidewalk, a warning is issued, the City explains.
The $250 fine is the basic sum issued under Stage 1 restrictions, although "greater fines may be imposed for properties that are in continued non-compliance or have multiple infractions of the by-law," notes the spokesperson.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, when lawn watering is prohibited with the exception of trees, shrubs, and flowers, the fine escalates to $500.
As of July 16, a total of 457 warning and education letters and 309 tickets incurring a $250 fine each have been issued to Vancouver residents, says a spokesperson with the City of Vancouver.
With files from Stefan Labbé
