Summer is here, and watering regulations are in effect. Did you know that healthy lawns need as little as one hour of watering a week?
It’s true, but too many Burnaby residents are wasting water to take care of their precious lawns when they don't need to water so much.
Metro Vancouver has a Drinking Water Conservation Plan and it’s a way to manage:
- The demand for drinking water during summer months when rainfall is lowest and demand is highest.
- Water shortages during an unforeseen emergency (eg earthquake, major service disruption).
- Limited storage capacity of reservoirs.
- Continued population and industry growth that have led to increased demand.
Learn more about Metro Vancouver's water conservation regulations and resources, and view Frequently Asked Questions.
Here are the rules to follow, with fines applied for violations.
Lawn Watering Regulations in Effect May 1 to October 15
Stage 1 Residential:
- Even-numbered addresses Wednesdays and Saturdays 4:00–9:00 AM
- Odd-numbered addresses Thursdays and Sundays 4:00–9:00 AM
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 4:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Stage 1 Non-Residential:
- Even-numbered addresses Mondays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00–9:00 AM
- Odd-numbered addresses Tuesdays 1:00–6:00 AM and Fridays 4:00–9:00 AM
- Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day, from 1:00–9:00 AM if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Note: Mixed-use buildings with both residential and commercial units should follow Non-Residential watering times and regulations.
The City offers exemption permits in cases where the amount of water allowed would not be enough to keep your lawn alive. You can apply for a lawn watering exemption permit if you are:
- Caring for a new lawn (sod, turf or seed).
- Treating your lawn for European chafer beetles with the use of nematodes. Using BTG products will not qualify for lawn watering exemption permits.
Permit Requirements
New Lawns
New lawns can require more water than provided under the watering regulations. The City charges a fee for a new lawn watering exemption permit. No exemption permits will be issued under Stages 3 restrictions. Any permits issued under Stage 2 will remain valid during Stage 3 restrictions.
If you are applying for an exemption permit:
- You must show a current dated receipt for lawn seed, sod or turf.
- Your permit is valid for 21 consecutive days from the permit start date.
- For residential properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 consecutive days, Monday to Sunday, between 4:00–9:00 AM.
- For commercial properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 consecutive days, Monday to Thursday, between 1:00–6:00 AM and Friday 4:00–9:00 AM.
European Chafer Beetles
When treating your lawn with nematodes to control European chafer beetles, your lawn should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge. The amount of water needed will depend on your lawn, soil depth, and weather conditions. If you need more water than provided under the watering regulations, apply for an exemption permit.
If you are applying for an exemption permit:
- You must show a current dated receipt for nematode purchase.
- For residential properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 consecutive days, Monday to Sunday, between 4:00–9:00 AM.
- For commercial properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 consecutive days, Monday to Thursday, between 1:00–6:00 AM, and Friday, during 4:00–9:00 AM.
- The City does not charge for watering permits for treatment of European chafer beetle.
All issued exemption permits are subject to a site inspection by City staff to validate issuance of the exemption.
Apply for a Lawn Watering Exemption Permit
Apply for your Lawn Watering Permit online with the City’s My Permits Portal. The portal allows you to register, apply for your permit, view your permit status and pay online by credit card.
You can also complete the Lawn Watering Exemption Permit application form and email to [email protected].
