Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Metro Vancouver will implement Stage 3 water restrictions starting June 8 to protect the regional water supply system while critical infrastructure work continues.
The move comes as warm, dry weather and a below-normal snowpack coincide with construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. The region uses an average of one billion litres of water daily, increasing to 1.5 billion litres during summer months. Current usage stands at approximately 1.2 billion litres per day but is expected to rise with forecasted warm weather in June.
“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 Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver. “When the summer-like weather hits, water use can increase by more than 50 per cent, and in order to complete projects like Stanley Park that increase capacity and resilience, we need to work together and bring down our water use so the system is protected while work is underway.”
For construction contractors and property managers, Stage 3 restrictions prohibit all lawn watering and filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, and decorative water features on residential properties. Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered using hand-held containers, drip irrigation, or hoses with spring-loaded nozzles. Vehicle and boat washing at home is limited to windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates, and boat engines for safety; commercial car washes remain available. Surface washing of driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in limited circumstances.
Non-residential properties face similar restrictions on lawn and garden watering, decorative water features, and surface washing. Golf courses and sports fields may continue watering to protect assets, and water play parks may operate with user-activated switches. Filling and topping up pools and hot tubs on non-residential properties requires an operating permit.
Metro Vancouver implemented Stage 2 restrictions in May, targeting daily regional water use below 1.4 billion litres to maintain water pressure while the First Narrows Crossing remains out of service for tunnel work. The snowpack is currently less than 15 per cent of the historical average, though reservoirs remain at typical levels.
The First Narrows Crossing is anticipated to return to service around the end of July. Stage 3 restrictions will be lifted at that time if water supply conditions allow, Metro Vancouver said.
Water restrictions do not apply to rainwater, grey water, recycled water, or other sources outside the regional drinking water supply system. Member jurisdictions enforce restrictions through local bylaws.
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