Despite a cool and damp spring, Metro Vancouver started to enforce its annual lawn watering regulations in Richmond and across the region this week and will run until Oct 15.
The restrictions are in place to help conserve Metro Vancouver’s high-quality, treated drinking water and ensure sufficient water is available through to the fall rainy season.
These region-wide watering regulations are part of Stage 1 in a four-stage, water restrictions plan outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Water Shortage Response Plan. They are an effective way to ensure residents in the region use drinking water wisely. The regulations are enforced by the City of Richmond's Water Use Restrictions Bylaw No. 7784.
Stage 1 lawn watering regulations are as follows:
Residential lawn watering allowed:
• Even-numbered addresses Monday, Wednesday, Saturday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday mornings 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Non-residential lawn watering allowed:
• Even-numbered addresses Monday, Wednesday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses Tuesday, Thursday mornings 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
• All non-residential addresses Friday mornings, 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
These restrictions only apply to lawn watering and not to watering flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. Morning law watering avoids evening hours when demand for water is highest for domestic uses, including dishwashing, laundry and showers.
Outdoor water consumption for non-priority use should be reduced and lawn watering regulations must be followed. Other Stage 1 water use restrictions are outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Water Shortage Response Plan online.
The restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking/tap water and not to the use of rain water, grey water (clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances) or any form of recycled water.
For more information and videos about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations and for water conservation tips, visit online.
