As part of Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan, Stage 1 regional lawn watering restrictions will be in effect from Thursday, May 1 to Wednesday, October 15. These restrictions are supported and enforced by the City under Richmond’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784.

Watering of edible plants is exempt from these regulations.

Stage 1 Restrictions

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. They 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 applies and applicants must include a copy of the receipt or invoice for the nematodes or new lawn with their application.

Water conservation
Stage 1 watering restrictions help prevent the need for 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. If drought conditions persist into the summer, additional restrictions beyond Stage 1 may be implemented.

Water demand is highest during evening hours when residents use water for activities, such as preparing dinner, dishwashing, laundry and showers. Watering lawns in the early morning helps alleviate pressure on the water system during peak times. Watering restrictions are also a reminder to reduce non-priority water uses, such as washing vehicles or non-permeable surfaces like driveways.

More information
For information about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, visit metrovancouver.org/lawns.

For information or to apply for a water restriction exemption permit, visit richmond.ca/LawnWatering.

For other questions, email SaveWater@richmond.ca.