Lawn Watering
Summer is when Greater Vancouver uses the most water, receives the least amount of rain, and has the least amount of water in storage.
Metro Vancouver's Stage 1 watering restrictions are in place annually from May 1 to October 15 in order to conserve our region's high quality treated drinking water and ensure sufficient water reserves are available through to the rainy fall season. Read Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan to learn more.
The following restrictions are in place during Stage 1.
Residential Addresses- Even-numbered addresses may water lawns on Saturday mornings with automatic watering from 5:00 am to 7:00 am and manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
- Odd-numbered addresses may water lawns on Sunday mornings with automatic watering from 5:00 am to 7:00 am and manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00am to 9:00am if using a sprinkler, or any time if using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
- Even-numbered non-residential addresses may water lawns Monday mornings with automatic watering from 4:00 am to 6:00 am and manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
- Odd-numbered non-residential addresses may water lawns on Tuesday mornings with automatic watering from 4:00 am to 6:00 am and manual watering from 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00am to 9:00am if using a sprinkler, or any time if using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
Public green spaces will be watered based on an approved Water Management Plan that follows in principle of Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
The City encourages you to conserve water by reducing outdoor water consumption. The City's Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784 regulates watering and is enforced by the City of Richmond.
Managing European Chafer Beetles
If you are treating your lawn with nematodes and need to water outside of the water restrictions, a permit is required and can be obtained online. Please provide a copy of receipt for the nematodes or a copy of the invoice from a company with the applicant's address. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit for non-metered residents; or $0.00 for metered residents.
Permits must be affixed to a post facing the street servicing the property, beside the principal driveway or if there is no driveway, in a visible location in the front yard of the property. The permit will be valid for a period of 21 days from the date of issue. Permits are only issued under Stage 1 water restrictions. Permits will remain valid under Stage 2 water restrictions within the permit's validity period. Permits expire immediately if Stage 3 or 4 water restrictions are declared.
Permit holders are allowed to water on any day, but only within the restricted watering hours for each day. For residential lots, the watering hours are 5:00 am to 7:00 am for automatic watering and 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering. For non-residential lots, the water hours are 4:00 am to 6:00 am for automatic watering and 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering.
To apply for a permit, please fill out an application and send the completed form to savewater@richmond.ca along with the required documentation. Please visit the City's page on the Chafer Beetle for more information.
New Lawns
If you have installed a new lawn, either by placing sod or turf or by seeding, or new landscaping on a substantial part of the outdoor portion of a property and need to water outside of the water restrictions, a permit is required and can be obtained online. Please provide a copy of receipt for the new lawn or a copy of the invoice from a company with the applicant's address. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit.
Permits must be affixed to a post facing the street servicing the property, beside the principal driveway or if there is no driveway, in a visible location in the front yard of the property. The permit will be valid for a period of 21 days from the date of issue. Permits are only issued under Stage 1 water restrictions. Permits issued will remain valid under Stage 2 water restrictions within the permit's validity period. Permits expire immediately if Stage 3 or 4 water restrictions are declared.
Please fill out an application and send the completed form to savewater@richmond.ca along with the required documentation. Permit holders are allowed to water on any day at any required time.
Ways to Help Your Lawn
Read Waterwise Lawn Care Tips to learn ways to help your lawn.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels can be used to collect and store rain water for outdoor usage, such as watering your garden and lawn. Using rainwater reduces the amount of tap water you use, conserving water and saving money on your utility bill. Rain barrels are available at the City of Richmond Recycle Depot. Visit our rain barrel page for more information.
Did you know?
One hour of lawn watering uses as much water as 25 toilet flushes, 5 loads of laundry, and 5 dishwasher loads COMBINED.
Visit the City's water conservation programs and water saving tips page to learn more.