Maple Ridge, B.C., May 1, 2026 – As Metro Vancouver's Stage 2 water restrictions take effect today, the City of Maple Ridge is offering a short-term grace period for lawn watering permits. This measure supports residents and businesses who made financial commitments to recently complete new lawn or landscaping work before the restrictions were announced this week by Metro Vancouver.
Metro Vancouver advanced straight to Stage 2 restrictions due to low snowpack, a forecasted hot summer and drought, and the need to maintain water pressure during critical infrastructure upgrades.
Permit applications will be accepted until May 8.
Short-term permits (typically valid for up to 21 days upon application) may be issued for:
- New landscaping covering a substantial portion of a property completed prior to May 1
- Newly installed lawns (sod, turf or seed) covering a substantial portion of a property completed prior to May 1
Applications must include proof of work completed before May 1, such as receipts, invoices or photos.
Permits can be applied for at MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise by May 8 and must be clearly displayed on site. Existing permits remain valid until expiry or until further restrictions are implemented.
Permits will NOT be issued for:
- Lawn or landscaping projects started after May 1
- Watering of existing (established) landscaping and lawns
- Lawns treated with nematode treatment started after May 1
Residents are advised that this is not a typical summer. With the potential move to stricter restrictions as early as June, newly installed lawns may not survive, even with a permit in place. Delaying new lawn or landscaping work to later in the year when the restrictions have been lifted is strongly recommended.
Stage 2 Water Restrictions – Key Rules
NOT ALLOWED
- Lawn watering by hand or sprinkler at any time
- Filling or topping up decorative water features, such as fountains
- Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks except for health, safety or surface preparation
ALLOWED
- Watering trees, shrubs, flowers by sprinklers from 5a.m. to 9a.m. any day
- Watering trees, shrubs, flowers by hand, soaker hose or drip irrigation at any time
- Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time
- Car and boat washing only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle
- Washing driveways, sidewalks, hard surfaces by commercial cleaning operation
Non-residential properties are subject to similar restrictions. Watering at golf courses and sports fields is reduced, but they can still water to protect these private and public assets as many use supplemental water sources or are operating under an approved member jurisdiction water management plan.
These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system.
Exceptions for Municipal and Regional Operations
City staff may continue watering of sports fields, active park spaces, and young trees to maintain public infrastructure and safe playing conditions. City water play parks will continue to operate as they are equipped with user-activated switches.
Enforcement
Bylaw staff will actively monitor compliance and provide education throughout the season. During stage 2, fines for non-compliance start at $450 per offence under the City of Maple Ridge Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw. Report watering violations to MapleRidge.ca/Report, contact 604-467-7305, or email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca.
Why Restrictions are in place
Most of Metro Vancouver’s rainfall occurs between November and April. During summer months, water use can increase by 50% or more primarily due to outdoor watering.
Following watering restrictions also supports Metro Vancouver's construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. With key infrastructure like the First Narrows Crossing currently out of service for upgrades, reducing non-essential water use helps maintain system pressure and ensures water is available for emergency response.
For further information view Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan - Summary.
Visit MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise for water conservation tips and information.