Metro Vancouver has implemented Stage 3 Water Restrictions across the region effective June 8 to help protect the regional water system while critical infrastructure work is underway and to respond to low snowpack and expected drought conditions.
Metro Vancouver is asking residents and businesses across the region to reduce water use and help keep daily summer demand below 1.4 billion litres per day while the First Narrows Crossing, a major supply pipe from the North Shore reservoirs, remains out of service during construction of the new Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel.
Stage 3 restrictions will stay in place until October 15, 2026, unless otherwise stated.
What Stage 3 Restrictions Mean
Residential Properties
- Lawn watering is not allowed
- Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered any time using a water container, drip irrigation or hose with spring-loaded nozzle.
- Sprinklers and soaker hoses are not permitted
- Vegetable gardens and food-producing plants can be watered at any time using any method
- Pools, hot tubs and decorative water features cannot be filled or topped up
- Vehicles and boats cannot be washed at home except to clean windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates and boat engines for safety purposes. They may be washed at a commercial car wash that recycles water
- Washing driveways, sidewalks and other impermeable surfaces is not allowed except for health and safety reasons or when preparing a surface for painting or similar work
Non-Residential Properties
- Lawn watering is not allowed
- Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered at any time using a watering container, drip irrigation system or a hand-held hose with a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle
- Sprinklers and soaker hoses are not allowed
- Vegetable gardens and food-producing plants may be watered at any time
- Decorative water features, including fountains, cannot be filled or topped up
- Washing impermeable surfaces is prohibited except for health and safety reasons or where required to prepare a surface for painting or similar treatment by a commercial cleaning operation
- Filling or topping up pools and hot tubs is prohibited unless an operating permit has been issued by Metro Vancouver
- Golf courses and sports fields may continue limited watering under an approved water management plan to protect public and private assets in accordance with Metro Vancouver requirements
- Water play parks may continue operating if equipped with user-activated controls.
- Nurseries, garden centres and businesses that grow plants or food are exempt from the outdoor watering restrictions related to commercial growing operations.
Stage 3 restrictions will stay in place until October 15, 2026, unless otherwise stated.
Exceptions for Municipal and Regional Operations
City staff can water sports fields and active park spaces to maintain public infrastructure and safe playing conditions.
Enforcement
Bylaw staff will actively monitor compliance and will provide education and enforcement throughout the season. During Stage 3, no further warnings will be provided and fines for non-compliance are $750 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.
Learn More:
Visit MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise for more tips and information.
Metro Vancouver water restrictions: metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions