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Lawn Watering Regulations & Permits

Lawn and garden watering accounts for the largest portion of residential water use in the summer – water demand can increase by 50%, largely due to lawn watering. Reducing water use during peak periods helps to ensure a sufficient water supply in the summer and can defer the need for system upgrades to the water supply infrastructure. In order to conserve our region's water supply, New Westminster supports Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan by enforcing the region’s Lawn Watering Regulations through the City’s Water Shortage Response Bylaw. 

Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Response Bylaw, regardless of weather conditions, applies from May 1 to October 15.

The intent is for watering to take place in the early morning hours, when demand is low and evaporation is minimal. The policy applies to both residential and non-residential areas. The permitted watering hours are summarized below.

Residential

Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays

Odd-numbered addresses on Sundays

  • Automatic watering: 5:00 am to 7:00 am
  • Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
     

Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00 am to 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.

Edible plants are exempt from regulations.

Non-residential

Even-numbered addresses: Mondays only

Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays only

  • Automatic watering: 4:00 to 6:00 am
  • Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
     

Watering trees, shrubs and flowers is permitted any day from 4:00 am to 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.

Edible plants are exempt from regulations

Automatic watering means applying water using an automated water delivery system that requires only minimal human intervention or supervision and typically employs mechanical, electronic, or other components and devices, including but not limited to timers, sensors, computers, or mechanical appliances.

Manual watering means applying water using a device or tool that is manually held or operated by a human being, without automatic watering.

Check out the Lawn Watering: Automatic vs. Manual Methods guide for examples.

PLEASE NOTE:

  1. Water Exemption Permits: Between May 1 and Oct 15, newly turfed or seeded lawns and those being treated with nematodes may be irrigated more frequently, provided a Lawn Watering Permit is obtained. Permits can be obtained through Engineering Services at City Hall, Queensborough Community Centre or by applying Online. Proof of purchase may be required to obtain a permit. While exemption permits allow for additional watering days, watering is restricted to the hours of 4am to 9am. Permits are not issued or renewed in Stages 2, 3 and 4.
  1. Car washing using a hose equipped with a spring loaded shut-off device is permitted in Stage 1.
  1. Residents may water their lawn with water from rain barrels outside of permitted watering hours.
     

Your cooperation will help save water and reduce the risk of more severe restrictions. Remember, your lawn only needs about 1-inch of water (about 1 hour of watering) per week to stay healthy.

If you require more information regarding the lawn watering program, please contact Engineering Services at 604-527-4592. Thank you for your cooperation.

Fines and REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Lawn watering outside of the allowed days and times is subject to a fine based on the current stage of lawn watering restrictions:

  • Stage 1: $100
  • Stage 2: $200
  • Stage 3: $500
  • Stage 4: $1,000

To report lawn watering violations, please contact Parking at 604-519-2010 or parking@newwestcity.ca. When reporting, please provide the following information:

  • Address
  • Date(s) and time(s) of the observed violation
  • Location of watering (e.g. front lawn)
     

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES