Lawn Watering Regulations & Permits
In 2026, the warm winter means we're heading into the summer season with a reduced snowpack. Further impacting our available water supply is ongoing work on the Stanley Park Water Supply project, which requires one of the system’s key supply pipes from the reservoirs to been out of service.
Lawn and garden watering accounts for the largest portion of increased residential water use in the summer. Restricting non-essential water use helps ensure a sufficient water supply for essential needs throughout 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 No. 6948.
Stage 2 Restrictions
No lawn watering is allowed during Stage 2. No watering permits will be issued this year.
Watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted as follows:
| Residential | Non-Residential |
|
Automatic or manual sprinkler: on any day, 5:00 - 9:00 am Handwatering or drip irrigation: any day at any time |
Automatic or manual sprinkler: on any day, 4:00 - 9:00 am Handwatering or drip irrigation: any day at any time |
Note: Hoses must have an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Check out the Lawn Watering: Automatic vs. Manual Methods guide for more information about watering methods.
Exemptions:
- Edible plants and vegetable gardens are exempt from watering restrictions.
- Watering restrictions do not apply when using water from a rain barrel.
➡ Learn more and see the full list of restrictions on the Metro Vancouver website.
If you require more information regarding the watering restrictions, please contact Engineering Services at 604-527-4592. Thank you for your cooperation.
Fines and Reporting Violations
Fines for violating the watering restrictions depend on the restriction stage we are in:
- Stage 1: $100
- Stage 2: $200
- Stage 3: $500
- Stage 4: $1,000
To report 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)
This year, the City of New Westminster is participating in Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) Summer Support Program. Residents may see program staff in their neighbourhood throughout the season providing additional monitoring and outreach to help ensure compliance with regional water restrictions.