From May 1 to October 15, Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect, to help manage water use during the high-demand months. The plan has four stages, each introducing stricter restrictions as needed.
With increasingly longer and drier periods, water conservation is more important than ever. Water use can increase by over 50% during summer and warm weather, mostly due to lawn watering and other non-essential uses. Every drop that comes from our taps is drinking water. That means the same water used to water your lawn is the water we rely on for drinking, cooking, and other essential daily needs.
Dry and warm conditions are expected this year. Staying informed and following water restrictions helps ensure there’s enough water for everyone. Check the current stage of the plan and learn how you can help at westvancouver.ca/watering.
Stage 1 residential lawn watering regulations
In effect from May 1 to October 15:
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. Learn more at metrovancouver.org/lawns.
West Vancouver water facts
- All 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 and other non-essential uses
- Conserving water helps keep our environment healthy, reduces stress on our water system, and saves money.