Water Restrictions/Lawn Sprinkling

Stage 1 Lawn Sprinkling Restrictions

• June 1 to September 30
• Effective for all municipal water system users throughout the Metro Vancouver area

Residential

Lawn sprinkling is only allowed in the morning:

• 4:00am to 9:00am
  • Even addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
  • Odd addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

Non-Residential

Lawn sprinkling is only allowed in the morning:

• 1:00am to 6:00am
  • Even addresses: Monday, Wednesday
  • Odd addresses: Tuesday, Thursday
• 4:00am to 9:00am
  • All addresses: Friday only

Exemptions

These activities are allowed:

• watering gardens, shrubs, trees, and flower beds – regulations apply only to lawns
• watering newly-planted lawns outside of these times with a special 21-day permit issued by the Engineering Division
• filling pools, spas, water play parks, and fountains
• washing cars or boats using a spring-loaded nozzle

FAQ

Q: Why do we have water restrictions each summer?
A: Water use almost doubles in the summer when seasonal rainfall is at its lowest. Restrictions help ensure that demand does not exceed the delivery capacity of our existing water distribution system.

Q: Why have water restrictions changed recently?
A: Evening sprinkling is no longer permitted, but an extra day per week of morning sprinkling has been added. The total weekly sprinkling time has not significantly changed, going from 16 to 15 hours. This new schedule spreads sprinkling over the entire week and away from peak use times. Morning sprinkling is also more effective as less water is lost to evaporation.

Q: I am not connected to the municipal water supply. I use a private well or water source for lawn watering. Does the bylaw apply to me?
A: Water usage from sources not connected to the municipal water supply is exempt from the bylaw. However, we encourage all property owners to be good environmental stewards and follow the water use restrictions. The Township uses a mix of groundwater and purchased Metro Vancouver water, therefore, water resources are shared with private well owners. Water restrictions are in place to protect our shared drinking water. Being water conscious will help ensure a continued source of affordable water for all.

Q: Do the Stage 1 lawn sprinkling restrictions apply to sports playing fields and school fields?
A: No, sports playing fields and school fields are exempt from Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Water Shortage Response Bylaw. These fields are constructed with a sand base for year round use, allowing higher water infiltration and faster drainage to accommodate wet winter months. Due to this sand base, playing fields need to be watered during the summer to prevent drying out and potential die-off. The use of sand base fields is consistent with other local municipalities.

Q: How are parks and playing fields watered?
A: Township of Langley staff is very aware of water conservation and only waters to the extent required to maintain their facilities. The majority of parks and playing fields are watered using an automated system connected to a computerized central irrigation system. The computerized system uses local water data to calculate the evapotranspiration rate. An measured amount of water is then applied to the soil to maintain specific soil moisture. Generally, parks and playing fields are watered infrequently but for longer periods of time to force the turf to grow longer roots. This makes the turf more durable and resilient.

More Information

Engineering Division
604.532.7300
enginfo@tol.ca