Stage 3 Water Restrictions Begin June 8 Across Metro Vancouver: What Homeowners Need to Know 💧

Metro Vancouver is moving to Stage 3 water restrictions effective June 8, 2026, in response to an unusually low snowpack, ongoing drought concerns, and reduced regional water system capacity while construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is underway. These restrictions are intended to protect the region's drinking water supply throughout the summer months and are expected to remain in place until October 15, 2026, unless conditions improve.

For homeowners, gardeners, and property owners across the Tri-Cities and Metro Vancouver, understanding these new rules is essential.

Why Are Stage 3 Restrictions Being Implemented?

This year presents a unique challenge for Metro Vancouver's water system:

✅ Significantly lower-than-normal mountain snowpack

✅ Forecasted hot and dry summer conditions

✅ Increased summer water demand, which can exceed 1.5 billion litres per day

✅ Temporary reduction in water system capacity due to construction of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a major infrastructure project designed to improve long-term water reliability.

Metro Vancouver's goal is to keep daily water consumption below critical thresholds while ensuring enough water remains available for drinking, cooking, sanitation, firefighting, and emergency services.

What Is Allowed Under Stage 3 Restrictions?

Trees, Shrubs and Flowers 🌳🌷

You may continue watering:

• By hand using a watering can

• Using drip irrigation systems

• Using a hose equipped with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle

These methods can be used at any time. However, sprinklers and soaker hoses are no longer permitted for ornamental landscaping.

Vegetable Gardens 🥕🍅

Good news for gardeners:

• Vegetable gardens can still be watered at any time.

• Food-producing plants remain exempt from many of the restrictions.

What Is Prohibited?

Lawn Watering 🚫

Lawn watering remains completely prohibited.

There are currently no exemption permits available under Stage 3 restrictions, including for newly installed lawns. Any previously issued permits become void once Stage 3 takes effect.

Car and Boat Washing 🚗

Home vehicle washing is prohibited except for limited spot cleaning necessary for safety, such as:

• Windows

• Mirrors

• Lights

Commercial water-efficient car washes may continue operating.

Pressure Washing and Surface Cleaning 🧹

Residents cannot use garden hoses or personal pressure washers to clean:

• Driveways

• Patios

• Sidewalks

• Exterior surfaces

Commercial cleaning is only permitted for health, safety, or surface preparation purposes. Aesthetic cleaning is not allowed.

Pools, Hot Tubs and Decorative Water Features 🏊

The following are prohibited:

• Filling pools

• Topping up pools

• Filling hot tubs

• Topping up fountains or decorative water features

Public pools and regulated community facilities remain open.

What Are the Fines?

While Metro Vancouver establishes the restrictions, individual municipalities enforce them through local bylaws.

In many municipalities, including nearby Port Coquitlam, violations of Stage 3 restrictions may result in fines ranging from:

💰 $150 to $450 per infraction

Municipalities have also indicated that enforcement efforts will increase during Stage 3 restrictions. Residents are encouraged to report observed violations through municipal reporting channels.

Easy Ways to Reduce Water Use This Summer

Every litre saved helps protect our shared water supply.

Consider these simple conservation tips:

✔ Water vegetable gardens at the root level

✔ Use mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture

✔ Sweep driveways instead of hosing them down

✔ Take shorter showers

✔ Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines

✔ Fix leaking faucets and irrigation systems

✔ Install low-flow fixtures where possible

✔ Keep drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it cools.

What This Means for Homeowners and Sellers

As a REALTOR®, one question I often receive is whether brown lawns impact property value.

The reality is that buyers understand these restrictions are region-wide and temporary. In 2026, a green lawn is far less important than responsible water conservation. Homeowners preparing to sell should focus on:

🏡 Maintaining healthy trees and shrubs

🏡 Keeping gardens tidy

🏡 Using drought-resistant landscaping where possible

🏡 Ensuring irrigation systems comply with current regulations

Water-wise landscaping continues to become more attractive to buyers as Metro Vancouver experiences longer dry seasons and increasing conservation measures.

Final Thoughts

Stage 3 water restrictions represent one of the most significant conservation measures Metro Vancouver has implemented in recent years. While the restrictions may require homeowners to adjust their routines, they are designed to protect a critical resource during an unusually challenging summer.

By making small changes now, we can help ensure a reliable water supply for our communities while protecting essential services throughout the region.

Have questions about how water restrictions may affect your property, landscaping, or home sale?

📞 Reach out anytime - I'm happy to help.

Tara Kennedy, REALTOR®
Serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and the surrounding communities.

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