Water Management

Drought & Water Management

Update on Stage 3 Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions

Exemptions include Nurseries, Garden Centres, and Sod Farms.

We have developed an advocacy campaign by the drought & water committee that’s been approved by the board, and we are actively seeking permits and your participation.

We are also collaborating with other associations on this timely issue.

Note: Stage 3 is being reviewed at the end of July.

Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions

We are currently in Stage 3 of the Metro Vancouver Watering Restrictions, which came into effect on June 8, 2026.

Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions: 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.

Key Messages for Water Conservation & Environmental Health

Water conservation is a shared responsibility. Residents, businesses, and institutions all have a role to play in using water wisely, both indoors and outdoors.
Smarter water management can achieve greater conservation outcomes. Modern irrigation technologies and evidence-based practices can reduce water use more effectively and more efficiently over the season than temporary restrictions alone.
Healthy landscapes are part of the climate solution. Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation cool communities by providing shade and through evapotranspiration, helping reduce urban heat and improving livability.
Smart irrigation technologies deliver immediate water savings. Weather-based controllers, soil moisture sensors, and other advanced irrigation tools can significantly reduce outdoor water use at the property level.
Policies should support efficient water use, not just reduced water use. Encouraging innovation and the adoption of water-saving technologies can achieve conservation objectives while preserving the environmental, economic, and social benefits of healthy landscapes.

Learn more about the environmental benefits of trees and vegetation:
U.S. EPA – Benefits of Trees and Vegetation

Help Shape BCLNA's Water Advocacy

Water restrictions continue to have significant impacts on BC's landscape and nursery industry. While we fully support responsible water conservation, current restrictions are creating unintended consequences for businesses, municipalities, and homeowners by limiting the ability to establish and maintain the living landscapes that help cool our communities, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and build climate resilience.

BCLNA is actively advocating with Metro Vancouver, municipalities, and the Provincial Government for practical, balanced solutions that conserve water while protecting essential living green infrastructure. To support these efforts, we need current, real-world information from our members.

We Need Your Input

If water restrictions have affected your business this season, please take a few minutes to complete our Water Restriction Impact Survey.

Your responses will help us:

Quantify the economic impact on our industry.
Identify how restrictions are affecting different sectors and regions.
Demonstrate the need for practical exemptions and long-term policy improvements.
Support discussions with governments and utilities using credible industry data.

Survey closes July 22, 2026.

Complete the Water Restriction Impact Survey →

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

What Can Members Do?

Your voice and actions matter. Support water-smart horticultural practices, encourage thoughtful, evidence-based policy decisions, and educate your local councils.

New Advocacy Campaign

Our Drought & Water Committee has developed a new advocacy campaign that has been approved by the BCLNA Board of Directors. We are actively seeking the necessary permits and look forward to member participation as we work together to advocate for practical, sustainable water management solutions across British Columbia.

Reach out to your mayor and council members using our template advocacy letters - one tailored for landscape professionals and one for growers - to help shape practical, sustainable drought response strategies in your community.

Helpful Resources

Preparing for Drought – Even When It's Wet

It might seem early to think about drought when it's raining, but early preparation is key. Snowpack levels and seasonal precipitation are expected to be lower than normal this year.

Visit the provincial drought resources to access:

The BC drought map
An explanation of drought levels (0-5 classification system)
Planning tools and conservation strategies

“Everyone can do their part to practice conservation by taking small steps to reduce their water consumption.”

– Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Advocating for Smart Local Water Use

Local water restrictions don’t always align with actual drought conditions or water storage levels, often generalized from other areas due to limited data or staffing resources. We believe water restrictions should:

Be informed by local conditions and data
Prioritize plant and soil biome survival
Recognize green infrastructure's environmental/economic value

The BCLNA Board has approved a Drought & Water Management Position Paper, developed in consultation with our Drought and Water Committee.