The Metro Vancouver Regional District is skipping stage one watering restrictions, and going straight to stage two – no lawn watering.
As of Friday, May 1, the region will ban all residential and non-residential grass watering.
“With hot and dry weather in the long-range forecast, we need to make sure we use treated water where we need it most — drinking, cooking, and cleaning,” said Metro in announcing the ban.
The restrictions will be in effect until Oct. 15.
During summer months, water use can increase by 50 per cent or more primarily due to outdoor watering, notes the City of Maple Ridge. Each municipality is responsible for enforcing the Metro ban.
In stage two, lawn watering by sprinkler or hand is not allowed at any time on residential and commercial properties.
The City of Maple Ridge said existing exemption permits remain valid until expiry, and no new exemption permits will be issued.
Gardens, trees, and shrubs on residential properties can be watered with sprinklers from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. any day. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses can be used any time, and there are no restrictions for watering vegetable gardens.
Non-residential properties can water gardens, trees and shrubs with sprinklers from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. any day. Hand watering, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses and be used anytime
Filling or topping up decorative water features is not allowed.
Car and boat washing is allowed only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
Washing driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces is only allowed for health and safety reasons or surface preparation.
Please contact Operations@MapleRidge.ca for inquiries about the water regulations.
Maple Ridge bylaw staff will monitor compliance and provide education throughout the season. During stage 2, fines for non-compliance start at $450 per offence under the city bylaws. Report watering violations to MapleRidge.ca/Report, contact 604-467-7305 or email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca.
To report an infraction of watering restrictions in Pitt Meadows, fill out the form on pittmeadows.ca/reportaproblem, email bylaw@pittmeadows.ca, or phone 604-465-2428, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Most of Metro Vancouver’s rainfall occurs between November and April. Water restrictions help manage peak demand, reduce strain on infrastructure and protect water supply during drought conditions and wildfire season.
Visit MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise for more tips and information.