Lawn watering restrictions take effect May 1
27 April 2022
Stage 1 watering restrictions take effect Sunday, May 1 and continue to Saturday, October 15. The watering restrictions were updated for 2022 in response to growing water demands due to population growth and the potential for extreme hot and dry weather.
The watering restrictions are regional and part of Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. They are supported and enforced by the City through Richmond’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784.
Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Watering of edible plants is exempt from regulations.
Stage 1 Restrictions
The following restrictions take effect Sunday, May 1:
Residential
- Lawn watering allowed
- Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
- Automatic watering: 5:00am to 7:00am
- Manual watering: 6:00am to 9:00am
- Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
- Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 5am to 9am if using a sprinkler; or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Non-Residential
- Lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday
- Automatic watering: 4:00am to 6:00am
- Manual watering: 6:00am to 9:00am
- Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday
- Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 4:00am to 9:00am if using a sprinkler; or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, gray water (waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances), any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside of the municipal water supply.
Managing European Chafer Beetles or New Lawns
During Stage 1 restrictions, you may apply for a permit to water outside of watering restrictions if you are treating your lawn with nematodes or installing a new lawn.
To apply for a permit, please submit an application to savewater@richmond.ca. Copies of a receipt/invoice for the nematodes or new lawn must accompany the application. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit for all new lawns and non-metered residents applying for a nematode permit; there is no fee for metered residents applying for a nematode permit.
Water Conservation
Stage 1 watering restrictions can delay or avoid the need for higher, more restrictive water use stages. Demand for water is at the highest during evening hours when residents require water for domestic uses such as preparing dinner, dishwashing, laundry and showers. Watering lawns early in the morning helps reduce the peak demand on the water system.
Watering restrictions are also a reminder to reduce non-priority water uses such as washing vehicles or non-permeable surfaces such as driveways. The restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking/tap water and not to the use of rain water, grey water (waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances) or any form of recycled water.
More Information
For water-wise lawn care tips, everyday water conservation tips, and more information about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, visit: www.metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-conservation/Pages/default.aspx.
For information or to apply for a water restriction exemption permits, visit: www.richmond.ca/safety/property/environment/water.htm
For other questions, please contact: savewater@richmond.ca