With Stage 3 water restrictions set to take effect across Metro Vancouver on Monday, June 8, the City of Richmond is encouraging residents and businesses to prepare now by reducing outdoor water use and familiarizing themselves with the upcoming requirements. The restrictions are intended to help conserve the region's drinking water supply during a period of continued dry weather, high seasonal demand, low snowpack and construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel.

Stage 3 restrictions

Residential

• Lawn watering is prohibited, unless in compliance with a valid permit.
  
• No new water restriction exemption permits will be issued or renewed.
  
• Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered at any time using a water container, drip irrigation or hose with spring-loaded nozzle. Sprinklers, sprinkler systems and soaker hoses are prohibited.
  
• Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time.
  
• Pools, hot tubs and decorative water features, such as fountains, cannot be filled or topped up.
  
• Vehicles and boats cannot be washed at home except to clean windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates and boat engines for safety. They may be washed at a water-efficient commercial car wash.
  
• Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in limited circumstances.

Non-residential

• Non-residential properties are subject to similar restrictions on lawn and garden watering, as well as filling and topping up decorative water features and washing surfaces. 
  
• Filling/topping up pools and hot tubs can be done with an operating permit. 
  
• Watering at golf courses and sports fields is reduced, but operators can still water to protect these private and public assets under an approved Water Management Plan.
  
• Water play parks may operate if they have user-activated switches. The following water play areas in Richmond are open: 
  
  • King George/Cambie Community Park
    
  • Lang (Saba/Buswell) Park
    
  • Steveston Community Park

The restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking/tap water. They do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water (from baths, sinks and appliances), recycled water or other non-municipal water sources.

The City of Richmond supports and enforces these measures under Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784, helping ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply for the community throughout the summer.

For information on Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, visit metrovancouver.org/lawns or richmond.ca/LawnWatering.

For other questions, email SaveWater@richmond.ca.