Watering Regulations

Who sets these rules? 
The restrictions are set by Metro Vancouver. The City is responsible for educating and enforcing them locally under its Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw. 

Why do we need to limit water use when we get so much rain and are surrounded by water? 
While the region receives significant rainfall, most of it falls between November and April. During summer, there is very little rain and demand for water increases sharply—often by 50% or more. 
Metro Vancouver relies on stored mountain reservoir water, not ocean water, and that supply can become strained during prolonged dry periods. Conservation helps ensure there is enough treated drinking water for essential needs like drinking, cooking, and firefighting. 

Why can’t I water my lawn? 
Lawn watering is the largest contributor to increased summer water demand. Eliminating lawn watering significantly reduces strain on the drinking water system. 

Why not allow limited lawn watering instead of a full ban? 
A full ban is the most effective and simplest way to reduce peak demand.  

Can I water my gardens, plants, or trees? 
During Stage 2 sprinklers for gardens, plants, and trees are allowed during restricted morning hours, from 5-9am. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses for gardens, plants and trees are allowed at any time. Vegetable garden watering is not restricted. 

Will I be fined if the sprinkler for my garden overshoots and waters my lawn as well? 
Bylaw staff focus on education and reasonable use and intent. Occasional overspray while watering permitted areas is not the target of enforcement, but hoses and other equipment should be adjusted to avoid unnecessary lawn watering. 

How do I water boulevard trees planted in my lawn? 
Trees can and should still be watered: Watering trees by hand, drip irrigation, or soaker hose is allowed anytime. Watering should be focused at the root zone under the tree canopy. While this may wet some surrounding lawn, the intent is to support tree health, not irrigate the lawn.  

Won’t dry lawns create a fire risk? 
Maintained lawns that go dormant (“go gold”) are not considered a significant fire hazard when compared to unmanaged vegetation. Keeping grass trimmed helps reduce any potential risk. 

Can I wash my car or driveway? 
During Stage 2, car and boat washing is allowed only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Driveways and sidewalks can only be washed for health and safety reasons (e.g. slips, hazards) or surface preparation (e.g. before painting) 

Do restrictions include commercial companies pressure washing fences in a strata? 
Under Stage 2, washing hard surfaces (including fences) is only allowed for: health and safety reasons, or surface preparation (e.g., before painting or sealing), and typically must be done by a commercial company. General or cosmetic cleaning is not permitted during Stage 2. Businesses may be permitted to clean surfaces such as strata fences or driveways under these conditions as commercial operators often use specialized, more efficient equipment; commercial activity is easier to monitor and manage; and supports essential business operations while limiting overall water use. 

Why can’t I power wash my driveway, but a company can? 
During Stage 2 residential pressure washing is restricted unless for health or safety, or surface preparation. Commercial operators may be permitted in specific cases because they are required to meet regulatory standards, often use efficient equipment, and support necessary economic activity. Residents may still clean where is there is a safety concern. 

How does allowing car washing or commercial washing conserve water?  
Car and boat washing is allowed only with a shut-off nozzle, which significantly reduces water waste. The largest water savings come from eliminating lawn watering, which uses far more water than occasional car or boat washing.

Will watering permits be granted for new landscaping or chafer-damaged lawns? 
Permits will be issued during Stage 2 only for work already in progress or recently completed for new lawns or landscaping before May 1, recognizing that residents may have made a financial investment before restrictions were announced. These permits are short-term (typically up to 21 days upon application). Permits will not be issued for any new lawn installations or new landscaping work during Stage 2.  

 Why can’t I start a new lawn and get a permit? 
Permit approvals are managed in advance of seasonal restrictions, but during Stage 2 the City is limiting new permits to protect the overall water supply and to avoid residents investing in lawns that may not survive if restrictions increase. For residents who have already started or completed lawn work, the City is exercising discretion to issue a short-term permit. Given the likelihood of stricter restrictions in early June, residents are encouraged to delay new lawn installations until later in the year when conditions improve. 

Why is there a deadline (May 8)? 
The May 8 deadline was set to clearly define a short transition period and prevent ongoing exemptions. 

Why is the City allowing permits at all during Stage 2? 
This is a temporary transition measure to support residents who had already started or completed lawn projects before Stage 2 restrictions were announced. 

Can I start a new lawn project and get a permit? 
No. Permits are only available for work already underway or completed before May 1. 

How long are permits valid? Permits are typically valid for up to 21 days and must be displayed on site. 

Does restricting lawn watering harm the environment or increase pests? 
The goal of Stage 2 is to reduce peak demand on treated drinking water, not eliminate green space. Lawns can naturally go dormant (‘go gold’) and typically recover with rainfall. Alternative landscaping and water-efficient practices can still support environmental benefits. The restrictions are temporary and based on protecting regional water supply during drought risk. 

Why doesn’t Metro Vancouver collect more rainwater or use rivers/lakes? 
Water restrictions are designed to manage the supply we currently have access to. Future measures to bolster water supply will require environmental assessment and significant infrastructure investment, but as climate change continues so does investigation of new ways to manage our resources. 

How will the region manage water demand as the population grows? 
Metro Vancouver uses long-term planning that includes: Expanding and upgrading infrastructure, Promoting conservation and efficiency, Monitoring climate impacts. For more information visit Metro 2050: Regional Growth Strategy | Metro Vancouver 

What happens if I don’t follow the restrictions? 
Bylaw staff will be monitoring compliance with restrictions. Fines for violations during Stage 2 start at $450 per offence. 

How will the City enforce water restrictions? 
The City focuses on education first, supported by: Bylaw patrols and response to complaints. Fines start at $450 per offence. Report watering violations to MapleRidge.ca/Report, contact 604-467-7305, or email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca. 

What do I do if my neighbour is still watering their lawn and not abiding by the restrictions? 
If you have a specific concern, you can report it at MapleRidge.ca/Report. 

Are there any exceptions? 
Yes. During Stage 2, existing watering exemption permits remain valid until expiry. Municipal operations (e.g., sports fields, parks) may continue limited watering for safety and asset protection within the guidelines provided 

What about golf courses and water bottle companies? 
During Stage 2 restrictions, watering is allowed for golf courses to protect turf assets and long-term damages. Commercial and industrial operators are regulated separately and must follow appropriate regulations. 

Can I fill my pool or hob tub? 
Under Stage 2, filling pools and hot tubs is allowed, however if Stage 3 restrictions are implemented, filling and topping up private pools and hot tubs is not allowed. Residents and businesses should plan accordingly and consider conserving water now. 

Why are sports fields or parks being watered if residents cannot water lawns? 
Municipal watering is limited and strategic to maintain safe playing surfaces and protect public infrastructure. This ensures fields remain usable and safe for community use while minimizing water use overall. 

Will the City stop washing signs or using water for operations? 
City operations are also expected to reduce non-essential water use. Where water is used (e.g., safety-related cleaning or maintenance), it is typically for operational or safety reasons and managed carefully to minimize waste. 

If I am on well water, do the restrictions apply to me?  
Restrictions apply to users connected to the municipal drinking water system. Private well users are encouraged to conserve are not subject to the same bylaw restrictions. Residents should confirm with the City if unsure. Groundwater in British Columbia is regulated and allocated by the Province under the Water Sustainability Act. 

How can I help conserve water? 
Let lawns go dormant, water plants efficiently, use mulch to retain soil moisture. More water conservation tips are available on the City’s website at MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise.