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Richmond residents asked to restrict water usage longer

Lawn watering is allowed once a week while trees and shrubs can be watered every day, but only in the early hours of the morning.
lawn sprinklers
Stage 1 of the revised water restriction includes reducing lawn, tree and shrub watering durations.

The unseasonably warm, dry weather means Richmond residents and businesses have to continue restricting their outdoor watering. 

Water restrictions throughout the Lower Mainland have been extended until Oct. 31 and the City of Richmond will enforce them to conserve water until it starts raining. 

Richmond residents can water trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers every day of the week using a sprinkler only from 5 to 9 a.m. However, watering by hand or using drip irrigation can be done any time. 

Edible plants are exempt from these restrictions. 

For non-residential properties, sprinklers can be used every day, but only from 4 to 9 a.m. 

Residential lawns, however, can only be watered once a week - even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays. 

Automatic lawn watering is allowed from 4 to 6 a.m. and manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m. Watering earlier is encouraged to reduce demand for water during peak hours. 

For non-residential lawns, watering will be on Mondays for even-numbered addresses and on Tuesdays for odd-numbered addresses. Automatic watering is permitted from 4 to 6 a.m. and manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m. 

For newly installed lawns, property owners need to get a $38.50 permit to water outside of these restrictions. 

Stage 1 water restrictions – the lowest level of restrictions – have been in place since May 1. 

Restrictions automatically take effect between May 1 and Oct. 15 throughout Metro Vancouver during periods of high demand, water shortage or emergencies. Implementing Stage 1 is meant to avoid the need for further restriction. 

Restrictions only apply for treated tap water but not the use of any recycled water such as rain water, waste water from baths, sinks, other appliances and other sources outside of municipal water supply. 

Residents are encouraged to decrease non-priority water use, such as washing vehicles and driveways. Avoiding water use during the evening can help reduce stress on the water system. According to the City of Richmond, demand for water is highest in the evening when residents are preparing dinner, dishwashing, doing laundry and taking showers.