Lawn Watering FAQs
Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan, regardless of weather conditions, is in effect May 1 to October 15, 2018.
- What is the Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP)?
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The City of Burnaby is part of the Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP). The original plan was put in place in 1993 to manage our drinking water during the summer months. In 2017, the DWCP was amended to include further restrictions to outdoor water use which includes watering of lawns and gardens, playfields and golf courses, and the operation of commercial car washes and pools. Each stage of the water restrictions is designed to reduce demand from your drinking water and watering restrictions become more restrictive as stage levels increase. Water restrictions start automatically every year starting on May 1 until October 15.
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- Why do we need regulations?
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Greater Vancouver does receive a lot of rain - but most of it falls in autumn and winter. Much of the rainfall and snowmelt in the watersheds cannot be captured for later use when dry weather comes. Summer is when Greater Vancouver uses the most water (up to 60% more than the rest of the year), receives the least amount of rain and has the least amount of water in storage.
Watering regulations provide a fair system for water use throughout the Lower Mainland, while controlling summer water demand. By taking measures to conserve water throughout the summer, we can also avoid more restrictive measures in the event of drought conditions.
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- How much water do Metro Vancouver residents use?
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Residential water use accounts for more than half of total regional water consumption. On average, residential consumption is about 350 litres (about 77 gallons) per person per day. On a hot summer day, outdoor watering of lawns and gardens can cause consumption to double.
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- When can I water my lawn?
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Lawn watering regulations are in effect May 1 to October 15. Water your lawn for an hour once a week during the regulations to allow for deep watering of the roots. For more information regarding lawn care refer to the Metro Vancouver's Water Wise Lawn Care information.
Note: Mixed-use buildings with both residential and commercial units should follow Non-Residential watering times and regulations.
Stage Lawn Watering Stage 1 Residential:
Even-numbered addresses Wednesdays and Saturdays 4:00–9:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Thursdays and Sundays 4:00–9:00 AM
Non-Residential:
Even-numbered addresses Mondays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00–9:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Tuesdays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00–9:00 AM
Governments / Schools / Parks:
Even-numbered addresses Mondays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00– 9:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Tuesdays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00–9:00 AMStage 2 Residential:
Even-numbered addresses Wednesdays 4:00–9:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Thursdays 4:00–9:00 AM
Non-Residential:
Even-numbered addresses Mondays 1:00–6:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Tuesdays 1:00–6:00 AM
Governments / Schools / Parks:
Even-numbered addresses Mondays 1:00–6:00 AM
Odd-numbered addresses Tuesdays 1:00–6:00 AMStage 3 Prohibited Stage 4 Prohibited
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- I just installed a new lawn, can I water it outside the watering restrictions?
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The City of Burnaby’s Engineering Department sells lawn watering exemption permits for newly established lawns. Please contact the Engineering Department at 604-294-7460 for more information. Permits can be applied for during Stage 1 and 2 restrictions. No exemption permits will be issued during Stage 3 or 4, however, any permits issued under Stage 2 will remain valid under Stage 3.
For residential properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 days, Monday to Sunday, during 4:00–9:00 AM.
For commercial properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 days, Monday to Thursday, during 1:00–6:00 AM and Friday 4:00–9:00 AM.
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- If there is a total watering ban, will my lawn die?
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Your established lawn will go dormant and may turn brown during hot, dry spells. A good rainfall or cooler weather will help your lawn revive quickly. Watering lawns sparingly or not at all saves up to 17,000 litres per household over the summer months.
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- How do regulations apply to flower beds, shrubs and trees?
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Excluding edible plants, watering with a sprinkler has the same time restrictions as watering your lawn. If using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation, any day or any time is permitted
Note: Mixed-use buildings with both residential and commercial units should follow Non-Residential watering times and regulations.
Stage Flower Beds, Shrubs and Trees Stage 1 Residential:
On any day from 4:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Non-Residential:
On any day from 1:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Governments / Schools / Parks:
On any day from 1:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Stage 2 Residential:
On any day from 4:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Non-Residential:
On any day from 1:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Governments / Schools / Parks:
On any day from 1:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Stage 3 Residential:
Prohibited if using a sprinkler or soaker hose
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Non-Residential:
Prohibited if using a sprinkler or soaker hose
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Governments / Schools / Parks:
Prohibited if using a sprinkler or soaker hose
On any day at any time if using a handheld hose, water container, or drip irrigation
Stage 4 Prohibited
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- What are some water-wise tips for the lawn?
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» An hour a week of watering or rain is all you need for a healthy lawn with a strong root system
» Use slow release or natural fertilizers for long-lasting benefits
» A healthy, vigorous lawn crowds out weeds and reduces pest damage
» Consider natural alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Refer to Metro Vancouver's Water Wise Lawn Care information
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- What are some water-wise tips for the garden?
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Spread grass clippings or other mulch materials around the base of plants and shrubs. Applying organic matter (such as ground bark, sawdust or leaves) to soil increases its ability to hold water, and improves nutrient content. Mulch also prevents soil erosion and discourages the growth of weeds
Plant waterwise plants. By reducing lawn area or by incorporating drought-tolerant plants that need less water, gardeners can help conserve water during hot, dry summer months. Small, thick, grey or fuzzy leaves are all indicators of drought-hardy plants
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- Do these restrictions apply to soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkler systems?
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Yes. Any sprinkler system that is being used to irrigate a residential or commercial lawn (other than those exempted) or flower and vegetable garden is subject to these restrictions.
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- Can my kids still play in the sprinkler?
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They can play during the permitted days/times of lawn watering. If you run the sprinkler outside the watering regulations, you could be subject to a fine based on the current water restriction stage:
Stage 1 $150
Stage 2 $250
Stage 3 $350
Stage 4 $500For water activities for children, it is best to visit Burnaby's Wading Pools and Push-button Spray Pads located in our parks.
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- What about my car or boat — can I wash them?
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Under the Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP), vehicle/boat washing must be done using a hand-held hose equipped with a spring-loaded shut-off (which saves up to 23 litres of water per minute). Using a bucket of water will also help to conserve water. Under Stages 3 and 4, the outdoor washing of vehicles/boats is prohibited, except for safety (windows, lights and licenses only). Washing of vehicles/boats may not be done on a paved or hard surface, and must be done on a gravel or grass surface to ensure wash water does not enter the City's storm sewer which drains directly to local creeks.
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- Can I hose down my patio or other outdoor surface?
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Under stage 2 of the Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP), washing of impermeable surfaces is only permitted for health and safety reasons, to prepare a surface for painting or similar treatment or aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation. Under stage 3 washing of impermeable surfaces is only permitted for health or safety reason or preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment by a commercial cleaning operation. Under stage 4, all washing of impermeable surfaces is prohibited except if ordered by a regulatory authority having jurisdiction for a health or safety reason.
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- Why are there other exemptions, such as for nurseries and Tree Farms?
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Watering regulations are meant to reduce water use in ways that do not cause serious economic hardship. Those users requiring water as part of a commercial operation are expected to conserve as much water as possible without resulting in a loss of business. However, under Stage 4, all forms of watering using treated drinking water are prohibited.
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- Why don't we just build another dam?
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Using less water during this period of high water demand keeps taxes down by reducing or deferring system upgrades to the water supply infrastructure, including dams, pipes and pumping stations. Construction of a new dam is costly. By being water wise, we can get a better understanding of our real water needs and help plan for future water facilities in Greater Vancouver.
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- I pay taxes, so why can't I water my lawn whenever I want?
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Municipal water rates or fees range from about $110 to $230 a year per household, depending on where you live in Greater Vancouver. These are some of the lowest rates in any major urban centre in North America. The cost of building facilities so everyone can use all the water they want at any time would increase rates substantially. If we all use water efficiently, we can help keep costs down and Burnaby can spend tax dollars more efficiently.
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- Why doesn't every house have a water meter?
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This would be costly to implement and we are not yet certain if savings would outweigh the costs. A study to determine this is underway and will provide more information.
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- What is Metro Vancouver's role in Watering Regulations?
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The Greater Vancouver Water District, a division of the Metro Vancouver, supplies drinking water to 18 Lower Mainland municipalities. It coordinates watering regulations to ensure consistency and a sufficient supply of water.
The legal authority for the regulations is retained within Waterworks Bylaw.
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- In what other ways can I reduce water consumption?
- Simply by trying to use less water, you will contribute to the water conservation solution. There are many strategies that can reduce consumption. Here are just a few:
- Purchase a rain barrel or water conservation kit from the City of Burnaby
- A springloaded garden hose nozzle save 23 litres per minute
- Full loads and shorter cycles in the laundry room save 95 litres per load
- Low-flow toilets save six to 14 litres per flush
- Toilet inserts save up to 100 litres per day
- Aerator and flow restrictors on the kitchen tap save up to 20 litres
- Where else can I get information on watering restrictions?
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City of Burnaby Engineering Department 604-294-7460
engineering@burnaby.caMetro Vancouver Information Centre
Phone: 604-432-6200
www.metrovancouver.orgRecycling Council of BC
Phone (lower mainland): 604-732-9253
Phone: (throughout BC) 1-800-667-4321
www.rcbc.bc.ca
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