Stage 1 watering restrictions take effect Wednesday, May 1 and continue to Tuesday, October 15. 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 of edible plants is exempt from regulations.
Stage 1 Restrictions
The following restrictions take effect Wednesday, May 1:
Residential lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays
- Automatic watering: 5:00 to 7:00am
- Manual watering: 6:00 to 9:00am
- Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00 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.
Non-Residential lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays
- Automatic watering: 4:00 to 6:00am
- Manual watering: 6:00 to 9:00am
- Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 4:00 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.
The restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking/tap water. Restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water (wastewater 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, residents may apply for an exemption permit to water outside of watering restrictions if treating their lawns with nematodes or installing new lawns. A permit application should be submitted to savewater@richmond.ca.
A permit fee is required to process the application, and copies of a receipt/invoice for the nematodes or new lawn must accompany the application.
Water conservation
Stage 1 watering restrictions can delay or avoid the need for higher, more restrictive water use stages. Stage 1 restrictions will be in place under the City’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784 and Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Regulations regardless of weather and reservoir level changes. Restrictions beyond Stage 1 may be implemented if drought conditions continue into the summer months.
Demand for water is 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.
More information
For water-wise lawn care tips, everyday water conservation tips and more information about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, visit https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/lawn-watering-regulations.
For information or to apply for a water restriction exemption permit, visit our Lawn Watering page.
For other questions, email savewater@richmond.ca.