Metro Vancouver water restrictions will escalate to Stage 3 starting June 8, imposing a comprehensive ban on lawn watering and other non-essential water uses. This measure aims to conserve water amid a low snowpack and construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel.
What Is Allowed Under Stage 3?
Residents can water trees, shrubs, and flowers at any time using a water container, drip irrigation, or hoses with spring-loaded nozzles. Vegetable gardens remain unaffected and can be watered freely. For car washing, only commercial car washes are permitted, though windows, lights, mirrors, and licence plates can still be cleaned for safety. Boat engines may also be washed for safety reasons.
What Is Banned?
- All lawn watering, including sprinklers and soaker hoses.
- Filling or refilling pools, hot tubs, and decorative water features.
- Power washing driveways and sidewalks, except in limited circumstances.
- Washing cars at home with a hose.
Why Stage 3 Now?
Metro Vancouver is responsible for maintaining adequate drinking water supplies. A low snowpack and hot, dry summer conditions have increased water demand. Additionally, construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel has taken a key water pipe out of service since fall, reducing supply capacity. Last month, the region skipped directly to Stage 2 restrictions.
“This year is unique, with warm, dry weather, a low snowpack, and construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel impacting our water supply,” said Metro Vancouver chairperson Mike Hurley. “When summer-like weather hits, water use can increase by more than 50 per cent. To complete projects like Stanley Park that increase capacity and resilience, we need to work together and reduce water use.”
Summer 2026 Forecast
Forecasts predict one of the hottest summers on record for B.C.’s South Coast, with above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall. This underscores the urgency of water conservation measures.
With files from Tiffany Crawford.
