Vancouver residents will face tighter outdoor water rules starting Monday, June 8, as Metro Vancouver moves the region to Stage 3 water restrictions.
The change means all lawn watering remains prohibited, while additional restrictions will apply to outdoor water use at homes and businesses. Under Stage 3, automatic irrigation for lawns and plants is banned, along with filling pools and water features, and washing vehicles or impermeable surfaces for aesthetic purposes.
Metro Vancouver says the temporary restrictions are being introduced because of several pressures on the regional water system, including dry conditions, low snowpack, forecasts for a dry summer, and reduced flexibility while infrastructure work continues on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel.
For Kitsilano residents, the message is simple: let lawns go brown, avoid unnecessary outdoor water use, and save treated drinking water for essential needs such as cooking, cleaning, firefighting, and emergencies.
Water restrictions are set by Metro Vancouver and enforced by the City of Vancouver. The City says watering infractions can result in fines, and residents can report violations through Van311 or by calling 3-1-1.
Metro Vancouver says it will continue to monitor weather, reservoir levels, water demand, system performance, and progress on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel work throughout the summer.
