Watering Regulations

Who sets these rules? 
The restrictions are set by Metro Vancouver. The City is responsible for educating and enforcing them locally under its Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw. 

Why do we need to limit water use when we get so much rain and are surrounded by water? 
While the region receives significant rainfall, most of it falls between November and April. During summer, there is very little rain and demand for water increases sharply—often by 50% or more. 
Metro Vancouver relies on stored mountain reservoir water, not ocean water, and that supply can become strained during prolonged dry periods. Conservation helps ensure there is enough treated drinking water for essential needs like drinking, cooking, and firefighting. 

Why can’t I water my lawn? 
Lawn watering is the largest contributor to increased summer water demand. Eliminating lawn watering significantly reduces strain on the drinking water system. 

Why not allow limited lawn watering instead of a full ban? 
A full ban is the most effective and simplest way to reduce peak demand.  

Can I wash my car or driveway? 
During Stage 2, car and boat washing is allowed only with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle. Driveways and sidewalks can only be washed for health and safety reasons (e.g. slips, hazards) or surface preparation (e.g. before painting)
During Stage 3 neither car nor boat washing is permitted at home, but washing at a commercial car wash is allowed. Driveway/sidewalk/hard surface washing is only permitted if performed by a commercial company, in specific instances (see next point).  

Do restrictions include commercial companies pressure washing fences in a strata? 
Under Stage 2, washing hard surfaces (including fences) is only allowed for: health and safety reasons, or surface preparation (e.g., before painting or sealing), and typically must be done by a commercial company. General or cosmetic cleaning is not permitted during Stage 2. Businesses may be permitted to clean surfaces such as strata fences or driveways under these conditions as commercial operators often use specialized, more efficient equipment; commercial activity is easier to monitor and manage; and supports essential business operations while limiting overall water use. 

Why can’t I power wash my driveway, but a company can? 
During Stage 2 residential pressure washing is restricted unless for health or safety, or surface preparation. Commercial operators may be permitted in specific cases because they are required to meet regulatory standards, often use efficient equipment, and support necessary economic activity. Residents may still clean where is there is a safety concern. 

How does allowing car washing or commercial washing during Stage 2 conserve water?  
Car and boat washing is allowed during Stage 2 only with a shut-off nozzle, which significantly reduces water waste. The largest water savings come from eliminating lawn watering, which uses far more water than occasional car or boat washing.

Why is a business watering plants when my lawn is brown? 
Watering of trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted only using specific methods such as drip irrigation, a watering container, or a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Businesses may also be exempt if they operate a nursery, garden centre, greenhouse, farm, or other plant-growing operation. If you see watering taking place, it may be permitted under Metro Vancouver’s Stage 3 restrictions. 

Why are farms and agricultural properties still watering crops? 
Food production remains a priority during water restrictions. Farms, agricultural operations, greenhouses, nurseries, and businesses that grow food or plants are exempt from many outdoor watering restrictions because they provide food and agricultural products to the region.  

Are berry fields, vegetable farms and greenhouses exempt from Stage 3 restrictions? 
Yes. Commercial agricultural operations, including berry farms, vegetable farms, greenhouses, nurseries and other food-producing businesses, may continue watering crops using as required for plant health and food production. These activities are not considered the same as watering decorative lawns or landscaping and are permitted under Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. 
 

Permits are not issued during Stage 3 Restrictions. 

Will watering permits be granted for new landscaping or chafer-damaged lawns? 
Permits will be issued during Stage 2 only for work already in progress or recently completed for new lawns or landscaping before May 1, recognizing that residents may have made a financial investment before restrictions were announced. These permits are short-term (typically up to 21 days upon application). Permits will not be issued for any new lawn installations or new landscaping work during Stage 2.  

 Why can’t I start a new lawn and get a permit? 
Permit approvals are managed in advance of seasonal restrictions, but during Stage 2 the City is limiting new permits to protect the overall water supply and to avoid residents investing in lawns that may not survive if restrictions increase. For residents who have already started or completed lawn work, the City is exercising discretion to issue a short-term permit. Given the likelihood of stricter restrictions in early June, residents are encouraged to delay new lawn installations until later in the year when conditions improve. 

Why is there a deadline (May 8) for permit applications? 
The May 8 deadline was set to clearly define a short transition period and prevent ongoing exemptions. 

Why is the City allowing permits at all during Stage 2? 
This is a temporary transition measure to support residents who had already started or completed lawn projects before Stage 2 restrictions were announced. 

Can I start a new lawn project and get a permit? 
No. Permits are only available for work already underway or completed before May 1. 

How long are permits valid? Permits are typically valid for up to 21 days and must be displayed on site. 

Does restricting lawn watering harm the environment or increase pests? 
The goal of Stage 2 is to reduce peak demand on treated drinking water, not eliminate green space. Lawns can naturally go dormant (‘go gold’) and typically recover with rainfall. Alternative landscaping and water-efficient practices can still support environmental benefits. The restrictions are temporary and based on protecting regional water supply during drought risk. 

Why doesn’t Metro Vancouver collect more rainwater or use rivers/lakes? 
Water restrictions are designed to manage the supply we currently have access to. Future measures to bolster water supply will require environmental assessment and significant infrastructure investment, but as climate change continues so does investigation of new ways to manage our resources. 

How will the region manage water demand as the population grows? 
Metro Vancouver uses long-term planning that includes: Expanding and upgrading infrastructure, Promoting conservation and efficiency, Monitoring climate impacts. For more information visit Metro 2050: Regional Growth Strategy | Metro Vancouver 

What happens if I don’t follow the restrictions? 
Bylaw staff will be monitoring compliance with restrictions. Fines for violations during Stage 2 start at $450 per offence. During Stage 3, no further warnings will be provided and fines for non-compliance are $750 per offence under the City of Maple Ridge Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw. 

How will the City enforce water restrictions? 
The City focuses on education first, supported by: Bylaw patrols and response to complaints. Fines start at $450 per offence during Stage 2. During Stage 3, no further warnings will be provided and fines for non-compliance are $750 per offence. Report watering violations to MapleRidge.ca/Report, contact 604-467-7305, or email Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca. 

What do I do if my neighbour is still watering their lawn and not abiding by the restrictions? 
If you have a specific concern, you can report it at MapleRidge.ca/Report. 

Are there any exceptions? 
Yes. During Stage 2, existing watering exemption permits remain valid until expiry. Municipal operations (e.g., sports fields, parks) may continue limited watering for safety and asset protection within the guidelines provided. 
Non-residential properties have slightly different restrictions than residential properties. You can view those regulations in the "Non-Residential Water Restrictions" section above. 

What about golf courses and water bottle companies? 
Golf courses are subject to specific Metro Vancouver watering requirements. During Stage 2 restrictions, watering is allowed for golf courses to protect turf assets and prevent long-term damages.  
During Stage 3, watering is permitted only with an approved water management plan.
Commercial and industrial operators are regulated separately and must follow appropriate regulations. 

Can I fill my pool or hob tub? 
Under Stage 2, filling pools and hot tubs is allowed, however during Stage 3 restrictions filling and topping up private pools and hot tubs is prohibited. Residents and businesses should plan accordingly and consider conserving water early. 

Why are sports fields or parks being watered if residents cannot water lawns? 
Municipal watering is limited and strategic to maintain safe playing surfaces and protect public infrastructure. This ensures fields remain usable and safe for community use while minimizing water use overall. 
During Stage 3 Metro Vancouver allows limited watering of sports fields and active park spaces to protect public infrastructure and maintain safe playing conditions. These activities are exempt from the restrictions and are carefully managed to minimize water use. 

Will the City stop washing signs or using water for operations? 
City operations are also expected to reduce non-essential water use. Where water is used (e.g., safety-related cleaning or maintenance), it is typically for operational or safety reasons and managed carefully to minimize waste. 
You can review specific Stage 2 and 3 Restrictions for non-residential properties, and for schools, parks and governments in the "Non-Residential Water Restrictions" section above.

If I am on well water, do the restrictions apply to me?  
Restrictions apply to users connected to the municipal drinking water system. Private well users are encouraged to conserve are not subject to the same bylaw restrictions. Residents should confirm with the City if unsure. Groundwater in British Columbia is regulated and allocated by the Province under the Water Sustainability Act. 

How can I help conserve water? 
Let lawns go dormant, water plants efficiently, use mulch to retain soil moisture. More water conservation tips are available on the City’s website at MapleRidge.ca/WaterWise.