Water restrictions in Metro Vancouver start next month

Metro Vancouver is implementing Stage 1 water restrictions on May 15, two weeks earlier than last year.

The restrictions will also run two weeks later — to Oct. 15 rather than Sept. 30 — regardless of the weather, according to the district.

As of May 15, residential lawn sprinkling will be allowed on alternating days at these times:

• Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. PT
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. PT

Non-residential lawn sprinkling will be allowed at the following times:

• Even-numbered addresses: Monday and Wednesday mornings from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. PT
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. PT
• All addresses: Friday mornings from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Other Stage 1 water restrictions will also take effect. Outdoor car washing and boat washing will only be allowed with hoses that have spring-loaded shut offs.

Stage 3 restrictions? 

Last year, the hot dry summer brought the region into "uncharted territory" when it came to water conservation — with Metro Vancouver banning lawn sprinkling entirely with Stage 3 restrictions by mid July.

Metro Vancouver's director of water policy and planning is hopeful that won't be the case this year. 

"We are moving in a much better situation," said Inder Singh. 

He said the water reservoirs are currently at full capacity and unlike last year, rainfall is in the forecast. 

Watch out, violators 

Singh said this season there is an expectation that municipalities will be tougher on violators.

Especially those watering in the evenings. 

Singh noted that enforcement will vary based on jurisdiction but ultimately bylaw officers will be on the lookout for violators and will be serving violation notices. 

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Samantha Garvey.

To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: Water restrictions in Metro Vancouver start this weekend