Watering Regulations

Stage 3 watering regulations in effect starting June 8.

Metro Vancouver will temporarily move to Stage 3 water restrictions starting on June 8 to protect the water supply system while critical infrastructure work is completed. 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. Stage 3 includes stronger limits on outdoor water use during the summer, when water demand is usually highest.

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 3:

• All lawn watering is prohibited.
• Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered at any time using a water container, drip irrigation or hose with spring-loaded nozzle. Sprinklers and soaker hoses are prohibited.
• Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time.
• Pools, hot tubs and decorative water features, such as 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 like driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in limited circumstances.

Find full restriction details on Metro Vancouver's website at itsalldrinkingwater.ca. 

See Metro Vancouver's detailed list of stage 3 residential water restrictions. 

Why is the region moving to stage 3 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. 

Read Metro Vancouver's media release from June 1, 2026. 

Despite Metro Vancouver implementing Stage 2 water restrictions early, water use in May was higher than in May 2025, when the region was in Stage 1 restrictions. Current usage is around 1.2 billion litres per day, but expected to jump with the warm weather forecasted for June. Historic water use trends show that the region regularly exceeds 1.4 billion litres in June, and Stage 3 water restrictions along with strong education and municipal enforcement programs are required to keep the region below that target and ensure the system is protected during June and July. With reductions in outdoor water use, this is achievable.

Learn more about reservoir levels and water supp​ly and demand factors​ on Metro Vancouver's website—conditions are shown and updated weekly during the high-demand season, from May through October.​

See the detailed list of restrictions