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 2 (May 1 to Oct 15)
Stage 2 watering restrictions help conserve our drinking water supply during the warmer months. In Stage 2, lawn watering is not permitted, however, watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted with conditions. Edible plants are exempt from these restrictions.
Residential Properties
- Lawn watering is prohibited
- Permitted from 5:00-9:00am any day using a sprinkler
- Permitted any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation
- All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
Washing impermeable surfaces is prohibited, with the following exceptions:
- Surface washing required for a health or safety reason
- Preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment
- Aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation
Topping up or filling aesthetic water features is prohibited.
Non-Residential Properties
- Lawn watering is prohibited
- Permitted from 4:00 to 9:00am any day if using a sprinkler
- Permitted any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation
- All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
- Fairways can be watered on any one day in a seven-day period, except if operating under an approved City of Richmond Water Management Plan
- Surface washing required for a health or safety reason
- Preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment
- Aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation
Topping up or filling aesthetic water features is prohibited
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?
Under Stage 2 water restrictions, no new Water Restriction Exemption Permits are issued or renewed.
Note that additional watering restrictions may be enforced during summer drought conditions to protect our drinking-water supply.
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.
