Latest News

The city is reminding people that lawn watering restrictions are in place effective Sunday (May 1).

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Lawn watering restrictions take effect Sunday

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 1:00 PDT, Wed April 27, 2022

Last Updated: 12:20 PDT, Tue May 3, 2022

—

Stage 1 watering restrictions take effect Sunday (May 1) and continue through Oct. 15. The watering restrictions were updated for 2022 in response to growing water demands due to population growth and the potential for extreme hot and dry weather.

The watering restrictions are regional and part of Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. They are supported and enforced by the city through Richmond’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784.

Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Watering of edible plants is exempt from regulations.

Stage 1 Restrictions

The following restrictions take effect Sunday (May 1):

Residential

• Lawn watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and at odd-numbered addresses on Sundays. Automatic watering is allowed from 5 to 7 a.m. and manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.

• Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 5 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Non-Residential

• Lawn watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Mondays and at odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays. Automatic watering is allowed from 4 to 6 a.m. and manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.

• Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is permitted any day from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler; or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, gray water (waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances), any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside of the municipal water supply.

Managing European Chafer Beetles or New Lawns

During Stage 1 restrictions, you may apply for a permit to water outside of watering restrictions if you are treating your lawn with nematodes or installing a new lawn.

To apply for a permit, submit an application to savewater@richmond.ca. Copies of a receipt/invoice for the nematodes or new lawn must accompany the application. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit for all new lawns and non-metered residents applying for a nematode permit; there is no fee for metered residents applying for a nematode permit.

Water Conservation

Stage 1 watering restrictions can delay or avoid the need for higher, more restrictive water use stages. Demand for water is at the highest during evening hours when residents require water for domestic uses such as preparing dinner, dishwashing, laundry, and showers. Watering lawns early in the morning helps reduce the peak demand on the water system.

Watering restrictions are also a reminder to reduce non-priority water uses such as washing vehicles or non-permeable surfaces such as driveways. The restrictions only apply to the use of treated drinking/tap water and not to the use of rain water, grey water (waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances), or any form of recycled water.

More Information

For water-wise lawn care tips, everyday water conservation tips, and more information about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, visit: www.metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-conservation/Pages/default.aspx.

For information or to apply for a water restriction exemption permits, visit: www.richmond.ca/safety/property/environment/water.htm

For other questions, contact: savewater@richmond.ca