Metro Vancouver moving from Stage 3 water restrictions to Stage 2 on Thursday
Stage 2 restrictions restore watering of trees and shrubs with sprinklers, and permit vehicle and pool filling after weeks of stricter rules.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Metro Vancouver will downgrade to Stage 2 water restrictions starting Thursday, easing several outdoor water-use rules that have been in effect since June.
The region moved to Stage 3 restrictions on June 8 due to increased summer water demand. The downgrade will restore some uses while keeping lawn watering prohibited.
Under Stage 2, residents will be allowed to water trees, shrubs, and ornamental flowers using sprinklers between 5 and 9 a.m. on any day. Soaker hoses remain permitted at any time. Stage 3 had prohibited both sprinklers and soaker hoses for these plants.
Vehicle and boat washing, as well as filling swimming pools and hot tubs, will also be permitted again under Stage 2. These uses were banned under Stage 3.
Commercial aesthetic cleaning is also permitted under Stage 2, though it remains prohibited for individual residents. Washing impermeable surfaces for health and safety reasons, or in preparation for painting or similar treatment, continues to be allowed.
The facts
When does Metro Vancouver move to Stage 2 water restrictions?
Metro Vancouver moves to Stage 2 water restrictions on Thursday, July 17, 2026.
What outdoor watering is allowed under Stage 2?
Under Stage 2, residents can water trees, shrubs, and ornamental flowers using sprinklers between 5 and 9 a.m. on any day, or use soaker hoses at any time. Lawn watering remains prohibited.
What uses return under Stage 2 that were banned in Stage 3?
Vehicle and boat washing, and filling swimming pools and hot tubs, are permitted again under Stage 2 restrictions.
When did Metro Vancouver enter Stage 3 restrictions?
Metro Vancouver moved to Stage 3 restrictions on June 8, 2026, due to increased summer water demand.
