Metro Vancouver faces new water restrictions as supply remains impacted

Temperatures are heating up in the region to start the new month, and with drier conditions than normal expected in the forecast, Metro Vancouver is increasing its water restrictions.

Starting on June 8, the region is temporarily implementing Stage 3 water restrictions to protect the water supply system while critical infrastructure upgrades take place.

The District is currently building a new water supply tunnel through Stanley Park to replace a water main from the 1930s. To do so, it has had to close down one of the region’s main water supply pipes from the North Shore reservoirs.

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“This year is unique, with warm, dry weather, a low snowpack, and construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel impacting our water supply,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver.

“When the summer-like weather hits, water use can increase by more than 50 per cent, and in order to complete projects like Stanley Park that increase capacity and resilience, we need to work together and bring down our water use so the system is protected while work is underway.”

Metro Vancouver’s Stage 3 water restrictions prohibit residents from watering lawns, though vegetable gardens can be watered at any time.’

Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered using a water container, drip irrigation, or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. However, sprinklers and soaker hoses are prohibited.

Also restricted is washing vehicles and boats, except for key safety features, like windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates, and boat engines.

However, people are still able to take their car to water-efficient commercial car washes.

People are also prohibited from topping up or filling personal pools and hot tubs. Public pools and hot tubs, as well as user-activated spray parks, can remain open.

You can see a full list of Metro Vancouver’s water restrictions, from Stage 1 to Stage 4, online.

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Metro Vancouver added that the First Narrows Crossing is expected to be back in service near the end of July. Conditions will be assessed at that time, and the level of water restrictions may be shifted if conditions allow.

The region’s snow banks, which are important because they act as water storage during summer months, are much lower than normal this year.

“Despite implementing Stage 2 water restrictions early, water use in May was higher than in May 2025, when the region was in Stage 1 restrictions,” added Metro Vancouver in a release. “Current usage is around 1.2 billion litres per day, but (is) expected to jump with the warm weather forecasted for June.

“Historic water use trends show that the region regularly exceeds 1.4 billion litres in June, and Stage 3 water restrictions, along with strong education and municipal enforcement programs, are required to keep the region below that target and ensure the system is protected during June and July. With reductions in outdoor water use, this is achievable.”

With files from Hanna Hett and Daily Hive Staff.