Lawn watering moves to 1 day a week across Metro Vancouver: As of September 1, 2026, water restrictions have returned to stage 1 across our region. During stage 1, lawns can be watered one morning per week. See below for more details on 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. Questions or concerns about water use in your area? Visit metrovancouver.org/lawns.
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 1 water restrictions in effect September 1, 2026
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Violations during this phase may result in a $150 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
The City offers special exemption permits for new lawns (newly seeded, sodded or turfed) or lawns using nematode treatments to control European Chafer Beetles.
BTG (Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae) products don't qualify for exemption permits.
Permit requirements
New lawns may need more water than allowed under the watering regulations. We don't issue exemption permits when stage 2, 3 or 4 restrictions are in effect. However, if you have an active permit during stage 1, your permit will still be valid during stage 2 restrictions. All permits will be cancelled upon the activation of stage 3 restrictions.
If you're applying for an exemption permit, remember:
- You must show the current date on the purchase receipt for lawn seed, sod, turf or nematode.
- Your permit will be valid for 21 consecutive days from the permit issue date.
- You must pay the $65 fee (includes taxes) before we can issue a permit.
- The permit is free when it's for treating European chafer beetles.
- You can use your permit for 21 consecutive days (i.e. from Monday to Sunday between 4 am and 9 am)
- After issuing an exemption, City staff will visit the site for inspection.
How to apply for an exemption permit
- Apply for a lawn watering permit through our online portal.
- Permits will be processed, issued and begin within three business days of the application date.
- We accept credit, debit, cash or cheque payments. We charge a credit card fee of 1.8% per the City of Burnaby Fee Recovery Bylaw 13640.
- Email [email protected] if you have any questions.