Metro Vancouver imposing tighter water restrictions next week

A backyard sprinkler in action. (Sóc Năng Động /pexels.com)

As it previously warned, Metro Vancouver is moving the region into Stage 3 watering restrictions next week, due to a low snowpack and an out-of-service pipe.

The regional district made the unprecedented decision to impose Stage 2 watering restrictions on May 1—where no lawn watering is allowed, as opposed to once a week in Stage 1.

Despite this, MVRD says residents used more water this May than they did in May 2025. Metro Vancouver is currently using about 1.2 billion litres of water a day, according to the district.

“This year is unique, with warm, dry weather, a low snowpack, and construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel impacting our water supply,” Metro Vancouver Chair Mike Hurley said, in a notice Monday.

“When the summer-like weather hits, water use can increase by more than 50 per cent, and in order to complete projects like Stanley Park that increase capacity and resilience, we need to work together and bring down our water use so the system is protected while work is underway.”

The district says its target is for the region to stay under 1.4 billion litres a day so water pressure isn’t effected while the First Narrows Crossing is out of service. Historic trends show the region regularly exceeds that in June, so MVRD says Stage 3 restrictions and “strong education and municipal enforcement programs” are necessary this summer.

Under Stage 3 restrictions, all lawn watering is banned, as is filling up pools, hot tubs and water features. Vehicles and boats cannot be washed at home except for windows, lights, mirrors and licence plates for safety.

Trees, shrubs and flowers can still be watered ay any time using a container, drip irrigation or a hose with a nozzle—sprinklers and soaker hoses are prohibited. Vegetable gardens can be watered without restriction.

Restrictions don’t apply to rainwater, grey water, recycled water or any sources outside regional and municipal drinking water supply.

The district expects the First Narrows Crossing to be back in service around the end of July, and will lift the restrictions depending on water supply.