Lawn Watering


Sprinkler watering green grass

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 3 (Jun 8 to Oct 15)

Stage 3 watering restrictions 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. See below for details. Edible plants are exempt from these restrictions.

Icon residential properties Residential Properties

Lawn watering:
  • Prohibited unless in compliance with a valid permit
  • No new water restriction exemptions permits will be issues or renewed
Trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers:
  • Permitted any time if 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 (e.g. 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 (e.g., driveways and sidewalks):
  • Prohibited except in limited circumstances (i.e. cleaning for safety or prepping a surface for painting or similar treatment by a hired commercial cleaner only)

Learn more:
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Stage 3 Summary - Residential

Icon nonresidential properties Non-Residential Properties

Lawn watering:
  • Prohibited, unless in compliance with a valid permit
  • No new water restriction exemption permits will be issued or renewed
Trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers:
  • Permitted any time if 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 (e.g. fountains):
  • Can be done with an operating permit
Decorative water features (e.g. fountains):
  • Cannot be filled or topped up
Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks:
  • Prohibited except in limited circumstances
Watering golf courses and sports fields:
  • Watering is reduced, but operators can still water to protect these private and public assets under an approved City Water Management Plan
Washing surfaces (e.g. driveways and sidewalks):
  • Prohibited except in limited circumstances (i.e. cleaning for safety or prepping a surface for painting or similar treatment by a hired commercial cleaner only)
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

Learn more:
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Stage 2-3 Summary - Non-residential
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Stage 2-3 Summary - Government, schools, parks

Icon additional information 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.

Icon how to apply How do I apply for an exemption?

Under Stage 3 water restrictions, no new Water Restriction Exemption Permits are issued or renewed.


Additional Resources


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