Lawn Watering
One hour of lawn watering uses as much water as 25 toilet flushes, five loads of laundry and five dishwasher loads combined, so in an effort to reduce drinking water consumption in warmer months, the City of Richmond works with Metro Vancouver every year to enact and enforce sprinkling regulations.
Lawn Watering Restrictions
Stage 1 - Sep 1 to Oct 15
Stage 1 watering restrictions help conserve our drinking water supply during the warmer months. In Stage 1, lawn watering is permitted one morning per week based on property address, unless in compliance with a valid permit. Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted with conditions. Edible plants are exempt from these restrictions.
Residential Properties
- Permitted at the following times, unless in compliance with a valid permit:
- Even numbered addresses on Saturdays from 5:00-7:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually
- Odd numbered addresses on Sundays from 5:00-7:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually
- Permitted from 5:00-9:00am any day using a sprinkler
- Permitted any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
- All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
- Washing impermeable surfaces is permitted.
- Topping up or filling aesthetic water features is permitted.
Non-Residential Properties
- Permitted at the following times, unless in compliance with a valid permit:
- Even numbered addresses on Mondays from 4:00-6:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually
- Odd numbered addresses on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually
- Permitted from 4:00 to 9:00am any day if using a sprinkler
- Permitted any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation
- All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
- No restrictions on fairway watering in Stage 1
- Washing impermeable surfaces is permitted.
-
Topping up or filling aesthetic water features is permitted.
Learn more:
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Stage 2-3 Summary - Non-residential
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Stage 2-3 Summary - Government, schools, parks
Additional Information
- Edible plants are exempt from watering restrictions.
- These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, or recycled water sources that are not part of the municipal drinking water system.
How do I apply for an exemption?
To apply for a Water Restriction Exemption Permit, fill out an application:
Water Restriction Exemption Permit.
Send the completed application to SaveWater@richmond.ca along with the required documentation.
Additional Resources
- Learn about Metro Vancouver’s Water Conservation Initiatives.
- Learn about Metro Vancouver's Water Conservation Tips.
- Review Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Restrictions.
- Refer to the City’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784 for regulated watering practices enforced by the City of Richmond.
