Water Conservation

While our area gets quite a bit of rainfall overall, the summer months see much less precipitation. In addition, water consumption goes way up at the same time, mostly for watering lawns. This combination causes reservoir levels to drop and make it necessary to introduce water conservation rules in the summer.

Water restrictions are introduced in four stages.

• Stage 1 is generally in effect from May 1 to October 15 every year. It reduces lawn watering to once a week, among other things.
  Note: 2026 is unusual in that it went straight to Stage 2.
• Stage 2 is imposed only if reservoir levels and inflows drop far enough to require them. It eliminates lawn watering entirely.
• Stage 3 and 4 restrictions are imposed only if conditions are even worse.

Lawn watering is a huge part of the increased water use that happens in the summer months. Conservation helps keep water available for other uses and reduces the need for additional – and expensive – infrastructure projects that would increase supply. Landscaping that reduces or eliminates lawns can save substantial water.

Additional water conservation information:

• Water Use Restrictions Chart: Lists the specific restrictions in place for residential, business, and government entities at each water conservation stage.
• Reservoir Levels Chart: Data from Metro Vancouver.
• Metro Vancouver’s Water Page: Information about our region’s water supply and conservation tips.
• DNV’s Water Conservation Page: More water conservation suggestions.
• Metro Vancouver’s Water Dashboard: Shows reservoir level, water demand, temperature, and rain.
• 7 Day Stream Flow Into Capilano Lake: Shows water flowing into the Capilano reservoir.