Watering Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the District still watering sports fields?

  The District's designated sports fields are maintained and watered as permitted under the Metro Vancouver Drinking Water Conservation Plan. Under stage 2, official playing fields may be watered on any day from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.

  Rutledge Field is a field hockey–specific artificial surface that requires periodic watering to remain functional. Water application is necessary to maintain appropriate playing conditions, protect the surface from damage, and support player safety. The District has communicated with user groups to ensure that watering is reduced to the minimum level required to maintain safe and playable conditions. Staff are monitoring usage and will adjust to ensure compliance and consistency with Metro Vancouver regulations.

• Why is the Fire Hall washing their driveway and trucks during water restrictions?

  Washing impermeable surfaces like driveways is prohibited during stage 2 watering restrictions, except for a health or safety reason. The Fire Department needs to keep the fire hall apron (driveway) clear of dirt and debris so that when hoses are reloaded onto truck, the hoses and hose couplings are not damaged. Washing vehicles is permitted during stage 2 water restrictions.

• What about golf courses watering their fairways?

  In stage 2, fairways can be watered anytime on any one day in a 7-day period.

• Can I wash my car?

  Yes, washing vehicles and boats is permitted during stage 2 watering restrictions. Please keep vehicle washing to a minimum to conserve our drinking water for where we need it most.

• What about pressure washing?

  Personal pressure washing and using a hose to wash impermeable surfaces is permitted for health and safety reasons and when preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment. It is not permitted for aesthetic cleaning. You may hire a commercial cleaner for aesthetic cleaning in stage 2.

Definitions

• Automatic watering

  Automatic watering means applying water using an automated water delivery system that requires only minimal human intervention or supervision and typically employs mechanical, electronic or other components and devices, including but not limited to timers, sensors, computers or mechanical appliances. An automated irrigation system is an example of automatic watering.

• Manual watering

  Manual watering means applying water using a device or tool that is manually held or operated by a human being, without automatic watering. An example of manual watering is if once a week during the permitted time, a resident puts a sprinkler out, goes to their home’s outdoor tap, turns the water on for one hour, then returns to the tap and turns it off. Hand watering is using a water container or a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle.

How to Report a Bylaw Violation

Sprinkler Permits

• Permit details

  Lawn sprinkling permits are approved only for newly seeded or turfed lawns, or to allow extra lawn irrigation during nematode application for pest management. Please note, nematode treatment will be most effective if applied in the third and fourth week of July.

  • the permit is free
  • expires three weeks from the date permit is issued
  • receipt for the purchase of nematodes must be presented to Engineering as confirmation
  • the permit must be displayed during sprinkling outside of designated watering hours

  Contact the Engineering Department to obtain a permit:

  [email protected].
  604-925-7020

  Water is fully metered, which means you pay based on how much water you use. Additional water used for irrigation during nematode application will be accounted for on your quarterly water bill. Permit holders are reminded to conserve water and not to sprinkle unnecessarily.