The first stage of Richmond's lawn watering restrictions begins on Sunday, May 1.
Metro Vancouver recently updated the restrictions for increasing water demands as a result of population growth and potential hot and dry weather this summer.
Lawn water restrictions in Richmond from May 1 to Oct. 15 are as follows:
Residential
- Lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays:
- Automatic watering from 5 to 7 a.m.
- Manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.
- Even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered addresses on Sundays:
Non-Residential
- Lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
- Automatic watering from 4 to 6 a.m.
- Manual watering from 6 to 9 a.m.
- Even-numbered addresses on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses on Tuesdays:
Watering trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers is allowed any day any time if residents are hand-watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
Residents are also allowed to water edible plants.
All water restrictions only apply to drinking and tap water, not rainwater, recycled water or grey water such as wastewater from baths, sinks or washing machines.
According to the City of Richmond, the demand for water is at the highest in the evening when residents need to prepare dinner, wash the dishes, do the laundry and shower. Watering the lawn early in the morning helps reduce the peak demand on the city's water system.
People who are treating their lawns with nematodes or installing a new lawn can apply for a permit to water outside of the city's watering restrictions.
Residents will need to give copies of a receipt or invoice for the nematodes or new lawn along with the application submitted to [email protected]. There is also a permit fee of $38,50 per dwelling unit for all new lawns and non-metered residents applying for a nematode permit. Metered residents applying for a nematode permit do not need to pay a fee.
Residents can still use water to wash their vehicles or driveways but are reminded to limit their non-priority water usage during the water restrictions.
Restrictions for those water uses are at later stages.
Richmond’s water restrictions are part of Metro Vancouver’s drinking water conservation plan and cities across the region have the same regulations in place.
For more information on Metro Vancouver's lawn watering regulations, click here.
