We are going into Stage 3 of the Metro Vancouver Watering Restrictions on June 8th. Here's everything you need to know:

Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions: Stage 2 and Stage 3

Metro Vancouver (MV) has implemented water restrictions in response to significant water supply and infrastructure challenges affecting the regional system. This year's snowpack is approximately 22% of normal, creating uncertainty about reservoir recharge later in the season. At the same time, capacity has been reduced by the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project, with the First Narrows Crossing currently out of service.

Metro Vancouver maintains that non-essential outdoor water use can affect system capacity for emergency response and firefighting during peak demand. BCLNA's position is that living landscapes are essential infrastructure and that responsible, efficient watering supports both member operations and important environmental outcomes.

Why Living Landscapes Matter

• Urban cooling and heat mitigation
• Stormwater management
• Carbon sequestration
• Air quality improvement
• Mental and physical health benefits
• Long-term urban canopy preservation
• Protection of significant public and private landscape investments

While lawn watering restrictions remain strict, Metro Vancouver continues to allow watering for trees, shrubs, and flowers under specific methods. These allowances support plant survival, successful establishment, client service, and protection of long-term landscape and environmental investments during drought conditions.

We Encourage Members To:

• Help clients understand compliant watering practices and realistic drought-season expectations.
• Prioritize efficient irrigation methods and water-wise landscape practices.
• Focus on tree and shrub survival, establishment, and long-term plant health.
• Prepare operations and customer communications in case restrictions increase.

Lawns and Turf

Under both Stage 2 and Stage 3:

• Lawn watering is prohibited.
• Metro Vancouver is not encouraging new lawn watering permits or renewals.
• Some municipalities may still issue permits.

Impacts for members include:

• Landscape installation projects involving sod or seeded lawns.
• Turf establishment and maintenance.
• Invasive pest management.
• Customer expectations regarding lawn appearance during drought conditions.

Trees, Shrubs, Flowers, and Landscapes

Stage 2

Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered:

• By hand, any day and at any time using:
  • Drip irrigation
  • Soaker hoses
  • Watering containers
  • Hoses with spring-loaded nozzles
• By sprinkler between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

BCLNA is advocating for professionally installed, water-conserving irrigation systems to be recognized as part of the solution and considered for exemption.

Stage 3

The same options apply as under Stage 2, except sprinklers and soaker hoses are not permitted.

These allowances remain important for:

• Newly installed landscapes
• Tree and shrub establishment
• Nursery stock maintenance
• Irrigation efficiency planning
• Protecting long-term urban canopy investments

Nursery Growers

• Maximize efficient irrigation methods.
• Prioritize drip irrigation and hand watering systems.
• Communicate proactively with customers about watering expectations and plant establishment needs.

Garden Centres and Retail Operations

Potential impacts include:

• Reduced consumer confidence in purchasing lawns and other water-intensive plant material.
• Questions from customers about what can legally be watered.
• Increased demand for drought-tolerant and climate-resilient plants.
• Greater interest in drip irrigation, smart watering systems, mulch, and water-efficient landscape solutions.
• Concerns about the successful establishment of newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials during hot weather.

Restrictions continue to allow watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, and edible gardens using efficient watering methods. Newly planted landscapes and nursery stock still require appropriate establishment watering to support plant survival and protect customer investments.

Additional Operational Impacts Under Stage 3

• Aesthetic pressure washing is prohibited.
• Vehicle and equipment washing is restricted except for safety purposes.
• Decorative water features cannot be topped up or filled.

BCLNA Advocacy Efforts

BCLNA continues to advocate at the municipal and regional levels for practical exemptions and permitting approaches that support members, protect plant material, and recognize the environmental value of healthy landscapes.

This includes advocating for:

• Watering permits for pest management treatments, including Chafer Beetle and Japanese Beetle treatment and recovery.
• Watering allowances for new landscape installations and plant establishment.
• Recognition of professional irrigation systems that use efficient technologies such as drip irrigation, smart controllers, and targeted watering practices.

BCLNA's position is that professionally managed landscapes and living green infrastructure are essential assets that support climate resilience, community well-being, and the work of our members.

For full Metro Vancouver water restriction details:
Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions

For those in the Southern Coast region, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is hosting bi-weekly drop-in calls every other Monday. These informal sessions offer:

• Timely drought updates
• Resources for producers
• Direct access to staff from both the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Everyone is encouraged to attend, ask questions, and stay connected as conditions evolve.