This past winter saw only one day of snowfall. Nearby mountains didn’t get their usual snow coverage, which resulted in exceptionally critical water reservoir conditions.
As a result, Greater Vancouver, which includes Richmond, has applied Stage 2 Water Restrictions beginning today, May 1. These will last until October 15. The city is expected to move to even stricter Stage 3 restrictions on June 1.
Stage 2 restrictions mean:
All lawn sprinkling is prohibited to conserve water.
All lawn watering is banned, but trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered 5–9 a.m. (residential) via sprinklers, or anytime via hand-held devices. All hoses and hand-held devices must have an automatic shut-off.
Edible Plants are exempt from restrictions, and may be watered anytime.
Surface Washing is prohibited unless for safety, health, or preparing surfaces for paint. However, aesthetic pressure washing by a commercially licensed cleaning company is permitted.
Aesthetic water features, including fountains and even the small patio-based water fountains, cannot be filled or topped up. However, this restriction doesn’t apply if you use rainwater or “grey water,” which refers to water from non-drinkable sources (like bath water or dish water).
You may wash your car if the hose has an automatic shut off, but the city recommends that we use commercial car washing facilities because they often filter and re-use much of their water rather than drawing down precious fresh water.
Note that car washing will be banned once we move to Stage 3, except for specific facilities that meet guidelines such as having 60% of their water recycled.
Water demand is highest during evening hours when residents use water for activities, such as preparing dinner, dishwashing, laundry and showers. Watering lawns in the early morning helps alleviate pressure on the water system during peak times. Watering restrictions are also a reminder to reduce non-priority water uses, such as washing vehicles or non-permeable surfaces like driveways.
Violations may result in fines. For more information, visit richmond.ca/LawnWatering.
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