As of Monday, June 8, Stage 3 water restrictions are in effect for the Metro Vancouver region, which means most outdoor water use is restricted or prohibited.
In Stage 3, all residential and non-residential lawn watering is still prohibited, and there are additional restrictions on watering trees and gardens, filling pools and hot tubs, and washing surfaces, vehicles, and boats.
Why are Stage 3 restrictions being implemented?
This year’s low snowpack and dry conditions limit supply and put pressure on the regional water system. Conserving water helps ensure that treated drinking water is available for essential household needs like cleaning and cooking.
Additionally, one of the key water supply pipes from the North Shore reservoirs is currently out of service to facilitate construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel.
Reducing outdoor water use will help protect our water system. If water use increases excessively, it could decrease water pressure and affect the ability of first responders to use water for emergencies.
Stage 3 water restrictions for residents
Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan has four stages. We are now in Stage 3 of this plan, which includes the following restrictions:
- All lawn watering is prohibited.
- Trees, shrubs, and gardens can be watered by hand or using soaker hoses or drip irrigation at any time. Sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses are not allowed.
- Pools and hot tubs cannot be filled or topped up.
- Aesthetic water features, such as fountains, cannot be filled or topped up.
- Washing cars and boats at home is prohibited except spot cleaning for safety (e.g., windows, lights, and mirrors).
- Washing impermeable surfaces like driveways and sidewalks is prohibited.
Stage 3 water restrictions for non-residential properties
Non-residential properties are subject to similar restrictions on lawn and garden watering, as well as filling and topping up aesthetic water features and washing vehicles and impermeable surfaces.
Watering at golf courses and sports fields is reduced, but can still be watered to protect these private and public assets. Community and strata pools can continue to operate with a permit in accordance with health authorities, and water spray parks may operate if they have user-activated switches.
See the full water restrictions for Stages 1 to 4.
How is the District enforcing the water restrictions?
The District’s Bylaw staff are enforcing the water restrictions and will be issuing tickets where there is enough evidence. In Stage 3, the fine is $500 per infraction.
Additional support for enforcement is being provided by District field staff and by Metro Vancouver’s DWCP Summer Support Program, which provides additional staff to patrol West Vancouver neighborhoods.
For more information and FAQs about water restrictions in West Vancouver, please see Watering Regulations.