Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions extended to October 31

06 October 2022

Water use restrictions are implemented throughout the Metro Vancouver region to manage discretionary use of potable drinking water during periods of high demand, water shortage, or emergencies.

Stage 1 water use restrictions automatically take effect between May 1 and October 15 each year. The past several months have been unusually warm and dry. As a result, Metro Vancouver has declared that the regional Stage 1 water use restrictions will remain in effect until October 31, 2022 to ensure water supplies are conserved until the rain returns.

Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions include the following:

• Trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers may be watered:
  • Any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device;
  • Any day from 5 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler at a residential property; and
  • Any day from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler at a non-residential property.

• Watering of edible plants is exempt from regulations.

• Residential lawn watering allowed:
  • Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
    • Automatic watering: 5 to 7 a.m.
    • Manual watering: 6 to 9 a.m.

• Non-Residential lawn watering allowed:
  • Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
    • Automatic watering: 4 to 6 a.m.
    • Manual watering: 6 to 9 a.m.

Restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, grey 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.

The City of Richmond will continue to enforce the Stage 1 restrictions until October 31, 2022 in accordance to the City’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784.

Managing New Lawns

During Stage 1 restrictions, you may apply for a permit to water outside of watering restrictions if you are installing a new lawn.

To apply for a permit, please submit an application to savewater@richmond.ca. Copies of a receipt/invoice for the new lawn must accompany the application. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit for all new lawns.

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