SEASONAL restrictions on lawn watering are now in effect throughout Metro Vancouver.

Residents and businesses may water their lawns a maximum of one morning per week to help conserve drinking water, with designated days based on property address and type. Restrictions will remain in place until October 15.

“These restrictions, which come into effect at the same time each year, are extremely effective at reducing non-essential water use when the demands on our system are the highest,” said Metro Vancouver Board Chair Mike Hurley.

In the summer, daily water use in Metro Vancouver can increase by more than 50 per cent, largely due to lawn watering. Reducing outdoor water use makes it less likely that restrictions will have to be escalated and saves water for where it is needed most: drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

“Water consumption rates in Metro Vancouver are some of the highest in Canada, and we should always be striving to do better,” said Brad West, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “Letting your lawn go brown and dormant is a simple way to conserve our precious drinking water.”

Stage 1 residential lawn watering allowed:

• Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
• Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation

Stage 1 non-residential lawn watering allowed:

• Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
• Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation

These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system. Member jurisdictions enforce watering restrictions through local bylaws.

Weather, snowpack, water demand, and reservoir level information will be published on Metro Vancouver’s website weekly starting May 6. Find full restriction details, as well as ideas for how to maintain a healthy lawn, at metrovancouver.org/lawns.