Metro Vancouver residents will only be able to water their lawns once a week starting May 1. 

鈥淲ith the changing climate, summers in our region have been longer, drier, hotter, and more unpredictable than in the past,鈥� Mike Hurley, chair of the Metro Vancouver board of directors, said. 鈥淭o ensure that the region鈥檚 high-quality drinking water lasts through the coming season, we must practise good conservation habits, like reducing our outdoor water use.鈥�

Under the stage 1 restrictions, trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered in the morning using a sprinkler or at any time when using drip irrigation or watering them by hand. Edible plants are exempt from stage 1 restrictions. 

The following restrictions are in place from May 1 to Oct. 15:

STAGE 1 RESIDENTIAL LAWN WATERING ALLOWED:

• Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays 鈥� automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays 鈥� automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
• Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation

STAGE 1 NON-RESIDENTIAL LAWN WATERING ALLOWED:

• Even-numbered addresses: Mondays 鈥� automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays 鈥� automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.
• Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered.

"These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking water supply system. Member jurisdictions enforce watering restrictions through local bylaws," noted a release from Metro Vancouver Friday (April 4). 

For more information on restrictions and on how to maintain a healthy lawn visit .