Watering Restrictions

Lawn watering and more activities banned across Metro Vancouver: As of June 8, 2026, water restrictions are at stage 3 across our region. See details below for which activities are allowed and prohibited.

Thank you for doing your part to use our treated water where we need it most—drinking, cooking and cleaning—through what’s expected to be a hot and dry summer.

Learn about watering restrictions and how they apply to you.

Metro Vancouver regional watering restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15. These restrictions help us use our treated water wisely and ensure we have enough supply for where we need it most—drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Stage 3 water restrictions in effect June 8, 2026

Residential
  • Watering trees, shrubs, flowers and inedible plants Can be watered by hand any day, any time with a water container, drip irrigation, or hose with spring-loaded nozzle.
  • Vegetable gardens Can be watered any time.
  • Lawn watering is prohibited
  • No sprinklers or soaker hoses
  • No washing vehicles and boats at home (except spot cleaning windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates for safety). Water-efficient commercial car wash facilities are allowed to operate. 
  • No washing surfaces with personal pressure washers and garden hoses
  • No topping up or filling personal pools and hot tubs (Burnaby's pools and spray parks remain open)
  • No topping up or filling fountains, ponds, decorative water features
Non-residential
  • Watering trees, shrubs, flowers and inedible plants Can be watered by hand any day, any time with a water container, drip irrigation, or hose with spring-loaded nozzle.
  • Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.
  • Lawn watering is prohibited
  • No sprinklers or soaker hoses
  • No washing vehicles and boats (except spot cleaning windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates for safety). Water-efficient commercial car wash facilities are allowed to operate. 
  • No washing surfaces for aesthetic cleaning (except for health, safety or preparation by a commercial operation)
  • No topping up or filling pools and hot tubs (Burnaby's pools and spray parks remain open)
  • No topping up or filling fountains, ponds, decorative water features

Violations during this phase may result in a $350 fine.

You can find the full details of water use regulations for stages 1 to 4 in Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan, which helps manage:

  • drinking water supply during summer when rainfall is low and demand is high
  • water shortages during unforeseen emergencies (e.g. earthquake, service disruptions)
  • limited storage capacity of reservoirs
  • increased demand due to continued population and industrial growth

Fines and reporting violations

Watering outside the allowed days and times will result in the following penalties:

  • Stage 1: $150
  • Stage 2: $250
  • Stage 3: $350
  • Stage 4: $500

To report lawn watering violations, fill out the online form linked below or call the Water Conservation Officers at 604-293-6528.

Report lawn watering violations

Lawn watering exemption permits

Exemption permits are not issued when stage 2, 3 or 4 restrictions are in effect.

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