Stage 2 watering regulations start May 1.
As of May 1, Metro Vancouver is implementing Stage 2 water restrictions for the region, which means all residential and non-residential lawn watering is banned. Due to a low snowpack and a forecasted drought, we need to make sure we conserve water where we need it most—drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Water restrictions are part of Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan, a regional policy developed with member jurisdictions and other partners to manage the outdoor use of drinking water during periods of high demand, as well as during water shortages and emergencies. A summary of permitted activities during watering regulations is available in Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary document.
Under Stage 2:
- All lawn watering is prohibited
- Aesthetic water features, such as fountains, cannot be filled or topped up
- Washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in limited circumstances
- Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered by hand or using soaker hoses or drip irrigation at any time, or by using a sprinkler between 5:00 and 9:00 am any day
- Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time
- Watering permits for newly seeded or nematode treated lawns are not issued during Stage 2, 3 or 4 restrictions
Find full restriction details on Metro Vancouver's website at itsalldrinkingwater.ca.
Why is the region moving to stage 2 water restrictions early?
The snowpack in the water supply areas is well below normal, averaging around 50 per cent of the historical average, and considerably lower than last year. Although reservoirs are currently at typical levels, snowmelt helps keep reservoirs fuller longer. Forecasters are predicting a drought this summer, which means less rainwater refill reservoirs through to the fall, and warning water suppliers to prepare. It is anticipated that restrictions will be tightened in early June, when water use typically ramps up further. Read Metro Vancouver's April 28, 2026 media release for more details.
Learn more about reservoir levels and water supply and demand factors on Metro Vancouver's website—conditions are shown and updated weekly during the high-demand season, from May through October.
Residential Watering
Lawn Watering
Lawn watering is prohibited.
Other Greenery and Gardens
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using an automatic or manual sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Vegetable gardens and edible plants can be watered any time.
- Water restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water or any forms of recycled water.
Non-residential Watering
Lawn Watering
Lawn watering is prohibited.
Other Greenery and Gardens
- Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. if using an automatic or manual sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Vegetable gardens and edible plants can be watered any time.
- Water restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water or any forms of recycled water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some common questions the City receives regarding watering restrictions.
Definitions
Reporting Watering Infractions
Failure to comply with watering regulations may result in fines being issued. To report an infraction of watering restrictions, please fill out the form on pittmeadows.ca/reportaproblem, email bylaw@pittmeadows.ca, or phone 604-465-2428, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Learn more about lawn watering regulations at metrovancouver.org/lawns. For other ways to conserve water, visit pittmeadows.ca/water.
Water Conservation Lawn Signs Initiative
Join our community campaign and pick up a free lawn sign and show your neighbourhood that you’re doing your part to conserve our community’s drinking water.