Metro Vancouver Stage 2 water restrictions remain in effect through August 31, 2026. All residential and non-residential lawn watering is banned until then.
Metro Vancouver says Stage 1 water restrictions will start September 1 and remain in effect through October 15, 2026 unless otherwise stated. Stage 1 allows lawn watering one day a week.
Stage 2 through August 31: lawns still banned
The regional Stage 2 page says existing lawns cannot be watered and no new permits are being issued or renewed for new lawns or lawns treated for chafer beetle. Decorative water features such as fountains and ponds cannot be filled or topped up.
For residential properties, trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered by hand any day and any time with a soaker hose, water container, drip irrigation, or hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. Sprinklers are allowed any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
For non-residential properties, trees, shrubs, and flowers can also be watered by hand any time. Sprinklers are allowed from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Vegetable gardens are exempt and can be watered at any time.
Stage 1 starting September 1: lawn watering returns
When Stage 1 takes effect on September 1, residential lawn watering will be permitted one day a week based on address number.
Under standard Metro Vancouver Stage 1 rules, residential sprinklers are typically limited to early morning hours. However, individual municipalities set their own specific times.
Metro Vancouver's water restrictions page says Stage 1 will remain in effect through October 15, 2026 unless otherwise stated.
Surrey sets different watering times
Surrey's water restrictions page confirms Stage 1 starting September 1. Surrey sets its own automatic watering windows for residential lawn watering:
- Automatic watering: 5 to 8 a.m.
- Manual watering: 6 to 9 a.m.
Surrey assigns watering days by address number:
- Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays
- Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays
Surrey says apartments and townhouses follow the complex address, not individual unit numbers.
Richmond and other municipalities
Richmond's lawn watering page currently lists Stage 2 restrictions running from July 16 to October 15. Residents should check the city page for any updates once Stage 1 takes effect regionally on September 1.
Metro Vancouver sets the regional restrictions, but local governments enforce them. Residents should check their own municipality for ticket amounts, watering times, and permit details.
Key reminders that apply across the region:
- Edible plants are exempt from watering restrictions.
- Restrictions do not apply to rainwater, grey water, recycled water, or other water sources outside the municipal drinking-water system.
