As of July 16, Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect for the Metro Vancouver region, which means all residential and non-residential lawn watering is banned. With hot and dry weather in the forecast, we need to make sure we use treated water where we need it most — drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Stage 2 water restrictions in effect
Residential
Lawns
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Existing lawns — no watering
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New lawns, lawns treated for chafer beetle — no new permits issued or renewed
Trees, shrubs, flowers
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Water by hand: any day, any time with a soaker hose, water container, drip irrigation, or hose with spring-loaded nozzle
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By sprinkler: any day 5:00 am to 9:00 am
Vegetable gardens
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Can be watered at any time
Decorative water features (fountains, ponds)
Vehicles and boats
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At home — washing allowed with spring-loaded hose nozzle
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Commercial car washes — allowed
Surfaces
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Personal pressure washer and garden hoses — washing for health or safety
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Personal pressure washer and garden hoses — no aesthetic cleaning
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Hired commercial cleaner — all types of cleaning activities are allowed
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Personal — no impact
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Public — remain open
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Spray parks — user-activated spray parks remain open
Non-residential
Lawns
-
Existing lawns — no watering
-
New lawns, lawns treated for chafer beetle — no new permits issued or renewed
Trees, shrubs, flowers
-
Water by hand: any day, any time with a soaker hose, water container, drip irrigation, or hose with spring-loaded nozzle
-
By sprinkler: any day 4:00 am to 9:00 am
Vegetable gardens
-
Can be watered at any time
Decorative water features (fountains, ponds)
Golf courses
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Water fairways anytime on any one day in a 7-day period except if operating under an approved member jurisdiction water management plan
Vehicles and boats
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Washing allowed
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Commercial car washes — no impact
Surfaces
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Aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaner only
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Cleaning for health or safety reasons, preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment
These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, gray water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the GVWD/municipal water supply system
Temporary restrictions for summer 2026
Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect across the Metro Vancouver region. Metro Vancouver has moved from Stage 3 to Stage 2 water restrictions now that the First Narrows Crossing has returned to service following completion of critical infrastructure work for the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project.
Stage 2 water restrictions remain necessary due to ongoing and forecasted dry conditions, low remaining snowpack, and high seasonal outdoor water use. Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor weather, reservoir levels, regional water demand, system performance, and progress on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel work. Updates will be posted on this page as conditions change.
Frequently asked questions
About regional drinking water conservation
Metro Vancouver stores, treats, and delivers drinking water through its member jurisdictions to more than 3 million people in the region. Water conservation is a major part of Metro Vancouver's planning to support the sustainable use of water resources.
Helping residents, businesses, schools, and member jurisdictions use only the water they need helps support an efficient and relatively cost-effective water system. Find out more about Metro Vancouver's
Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
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