Lawn Sprinkling Regulations

Overview

During the summer, demand for drinking water almost doubles (mostly due to outdoor use) at the same time rainfall is at its lowest. As part of Metro Vancouver's Water Shortage Response Plan(WSRP), stage 1 lawn sprinkling regulations are in effect every year to help reduce per capita water consumption and defer the need for costly system expansion. The WSRP only applies to treated drinking water.

Stage 1 regulations apply to single-family and multi-family residential units as well as commercial buildings. Lawn sprinkling outside of the above listed times is prohibited. Violations may result in fines imposed under Delta Bylaw no. 5781, 2000 (Amend. BL 6297, 2004). Delta residents are urged to call the Sprinkling Hotline at (604) 946-3290 to report violations. For more information, visit Metro Vancouver's website or contact Delta's Engineering Department at (604) 946-3260.

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Stage 1 Exemptions

The following is permitted during Stage 1 lawn sprinkling regulations:

• Sprinkling of newly-planted lawns with permit:
  • Un-established (new) lawns may be irrigated more frequently provided residents obtain a written permit.
  • Permits are available from the Engineering Department at Municipal Hall or from the North Delta Recreation Centre for $53.00 and are valid for 21 days.
• Watering of flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees
  • Use a sprinkler, soaker hose, or nozzle with spring-loaded shut-off
• Filling of pools, spas, water play parks and fountains
• Washing of cars or boats using nozzle with spring-loaded shutoff
• Lawn sprinkling at sports playing fields, school yards, Municipal parks, golf courses and turf farms
• Wetting of artificial turf and hosing of outdoor tracks for dust control and/or safety

Delta residents are urged to call the Sprinkling Hotline at (604) 946-3290 to report violators. For more information, visit Metro Vancouver's website or contact the Engineering Department at (604) 946-3260.

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Stages of Sprinkling Regulations

The Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) has put together a four-stage Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) to help ensure that our supply of drinking water will continue to meet our needs for the present and the future. Progression into subsequent stages and extension or delay of a stage of the lawn sprinkling regulations is at the discretion of the GVWD Commissioner.

• Stage 1: Automatically in effect June 1 - September 30 every year.
  

  Lawn sprinkling is only allowed: Residential Addresses (4:00 am to 9:00 am) Even-numbered address: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays Odd- numbered address: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays Non-residential Addresses Even-numbered address: Mondays and Wednesdays (1:00 am to 6:00 am) and Fridays (4:00 am to 9:00 am) Odd- numbered address: Tuesdays and Thursdays (1:00 am to 6:00 am) and Fridays (4:00 am to 9:00 am)

• Stage 2: Lawn sprinkling is restricted to 4:00 am - 9:00 am one day per week depending on the civic address.
  

  Residential Addresses (4:00 am to 9:00 am) Even-numbered address: Mondays Odd- numbered address: Thursdays Non-residential Addresses (1:00 am to 6:00 am) Even-numbered address: Wednesdays Odd- numbered address: Tuesdays

  • Pressure washing and outdoor impermeable surface washing are permitted for health and safety reasons as well as preparing surfaces for paint etc.; outdoor surface washing is not permitted for aesthetic reasons.
  • Public, private and commercial fountains are shut off.
• Stage 3: Lawn sprinkling is prohibited. Flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees may be watered by hand only.
  • Refilling pools, spas and ponds is prohibited.
  • Impermeable surface and pressure washing is permitted for health and safety reasons and to prepare surfaces for paint etc.; not permitted for aesthetic reasons.
  • Sports fields and school yards are only watered at a minimum level.
  • Municipal boulevards and parks are not watered.
  • Outdoor vehicle washing is prohibited except for safety reasons (lights, license, mirrors etc.).
• Stage 4: All outdoor use of treated drinking water is prohibited except for health and safety reasons or as directed by a health and or safety regulatory authority.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• View our FAQ's.

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