Metro Vancouver summer sprinkling regulations now in place

The annual lawn-sprinkling restrictions went into effect Monday across Metro Vancouver, restricting most homes to watering just two days a week.

The regulations, which are in effect from June 1 to Sept. 30, permit lawn sprinkling only from 4 a.m. PT to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the following days:

• Even-numbered addresses on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Odd-numbered addresses on Thursday and Sunday.

Officials with the regional district say the restrictions help reduce the rate of water consumption and lower the risk of reservoir levels being depleted. In the summer, demand for treated water almost doubles in the Lower Mainland, while rainfall to fill the reservoirs hits its lowest levels.

The lawn-sprinkling regulations have been in place since 1993 and are part of the regional Water Shortage Response Plan to reduce demand for outdoor use.

The follow exemptions are in place:

• Newly planted lawns will be allowed to be watered outside of restricted times only with a special permit from the local municipality.  
• Watering of flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees.  
• Filling of pools, spas, water play parks and fountains.  
• Washing of cars or boats using spring-loaded shutoff.  
• Sports playing fields and schoolyards.  
• Lawns at golf courses and turf farms.  
• Artificial turf requiring wetting and outdoor tracks requiring hosing for dust control or safety.

Similar restriction also come into effect in other B.C. municipalities, including Chilliwack and Kamloops.