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Lawn Sprinkling Regulations
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Lawn Sprinkling Regulations 

Starting now, residential lawn sprinkling hours are restricted to 4 to 9 a.m. That’s when the least amount of water used on lawns will evaporate.

These restrictions are in place from June 1 to September 30.

Residential addresses:

  • Even-numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns 4-9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Odd-numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns 4-9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Non-residential addresses:

  • Even-numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns 1-6 a.m. Monday and Wednesday
  • Odd-numbered addresses may sprinkle lawns 1-6 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
  • All non-residential addresses can also sprinkle 4-9 a.m. Friday.

Did you know that one hour of sprinkling per week is all that most yards need?

Why does Metro Vancouver have lawn sprinkling regulations every summer?

Water use almost doubles (mostly due to outdoor use) at the same time that seasonal rainfall is at its lowest.

These restrictions help ensure that demand does not exceed what our existing water distribution system can deliver throughout the Metro Vancouver region.

Water Use Chart

What else can you do?

  • Work with nature and let your lawn go dormant (brown) over the summer.
  • Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They’ll help trap moisture while they break down to feed your lawn naturally.
  • Planting a new lawn in the spring or fall will cut the amount of time you’ll spend watering.

Exemptions

  • Watering newly-planted lawns outside of restricted times will require a special permit from your municipality.
  • Watering of flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees.
  • Filling of pools, spas, water play parks and fountains.
  • Washing of cars or boats using spring-loaded shutoff.
  • Sports playing fields and school yards. Lawns at golf courses and turf farms.
  • Artificial turf requiring wetting and outdoor tracks requiring hosing for dust control or safety.

    Resources

    For details on enforcement of sprinkling regulations, contact your municipality.

    Fast Facts

    • One lawn sprinkler uses as much water in 1 hours as 25 toilet flushes, 5 loads of laundry and 5 dishwasher loads COMBINED.