From May 1 to October 15, Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect, aiming to regulate water consumption during high-demand periods. The plan is comprised of four stages, each with progressively stricter restrictions.
Why are restrictions being implemented?
With climate change disrupting precipitation patterns and snowpack levels, we are facing a future with less water, particularly during the warmer months. Water use can increase by over 50% in the summer, primarily due to lawn watering and other non-essential uses. This summer is expected to be especially dry. All our tap water is drinking water, highlighting the importance of conserving this resource for drinking and other essential needs.
It is crucial for everyone to stay informed about the current stage of the plan and adjust their water usage accordingly. For more information about the current stage of the plan, please visit westvancouver.ca/sprinkling.
Stage 1 water restrictions for residents
Residential lawns
Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays
Odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
- Automatic watering: 5–7 a.m.
- Manual watering: 6–9 a.m.
Trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Sprinklers: 5–9 a.m., any day
- Hand watering, soaker hose, or drip irrigation: anytime
Vegetable gardens
- anytime
Stage 1 non-residential lawn watering regulations
Even-numbered addresses on Mondays
Odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays
- Automatic watering: 4–6 a.m.
- Manual watering: 6–9 a.m.
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand-watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
Residents and businesses are permitted to water lawns one morning per week, with designated days determined by property address and type. Enter your address at metrovancouver.org/lawns to find your watering days and times.
West Vancouver water facts
- All of our tap water is drinking water.
- West Vancouver’s water is metered—when you use less, you pay less.
- Our water use doubles in the summer largely due to lawn watering, power-washing, and other outdoor use.
- Conserving water helps keep our environment healthy, reduces stress on our water system, and saves money.