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Stage 1 water use restrictions have been extended through the end of October.

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Stage 1 water use restrictions extended to Oct. 31

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 10:58 PDT, Fri October 7, 2022

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Stage 1 water use restrictions will remain in effect until Oct. 31 due to the long period of warm and dry weather this year.

Water use restrictions are implemented throughout the Metro Vancouver region to manage discretionary use of potable drinking water during periods of high demand, water shortage, or emergencies.

Stage 1 water use restrictions automatically take effect between May 1 and Oct. 15 each year. The past several months have been unusually warm and dry. As a result, Metro Vancouver has declared that the regional Stage 1 water use restrictions will remain in effect until Oct. 31 to ensure water supplies are conserved until the rain returns.

Under Stage 1 water use restrictions, trees, shrubs, decorative planters, and flowers may be watered:

Any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
Any day from 5 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler at a residential property
Any day from 4 to 9 a.m. if using a sprinkler at a non-residential property

Watering of edible plants is exempt from regulations.

Residential lawn watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses on Sundays, at the following times:

Automatic watering: 5 to 7 a.m.
Manual watering: 6 to 9 a.m.

Non-residential lawn watering is allowed at even-numbered addresses on Mondays and odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays, at the following times:

Automatic watering: 4 to 6 a.m.
Manual watering: 6 to 9 a.m.

Restrictions do not apply to the use of rain water, grey 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.

The City of Richmond will continue to enforce the Stage 1 restrictions until Oct. 31, in accordance with the city’s Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784.

During Stage 1 restrictions, you may apply for a permit to water outside of watering restrictions if you are installing a new lawn. To apply for a permit, submit an application to savewater@richmond.ca. Copies of a receipt or invoice for the new lawn must accompany the application. The permit fee is $38.50 per dwelling unit for all new lawns.

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.

For water-wise lawn care tips, everyday water conservation tips, and more information about Metro Vancouver’s lawn watering regulations, click here.

For information or to apply for a water restriction exemption permits, visit the website.

For other questions, contact savewater@richmond.ca