Water Restrictions

The Township of Langley’s Water Shortage Response Bylaw has four stages of watering restrictions:

Stage 1 automatically implemented every year
Stages 2 and 3 used in times of extended drought, or when facing a water supply issue
Stage 4 reserved for emergency situations

*All areas of the Township are subject to the next stages of restrictions if deemed necessary by Metro Vancouver , or the General Manager of Engineering.

Lawn Sprinkling

Residential

Morning sprinkling only: 4:00am - 9:00am

Even addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Odd addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

*If you have an in-ground sprinkler, remember to adjust the timer.

Non-Residential

Morning sprinkling only: 1:00am - 6:00am

Even addresses: Monday, Wednesday
Odd addresses: Tuesday, Thursday
All addresses: Friday, 4:00am - 9:00am only

Exemption Permits

Water restriction exemption permits are available upon request at the Civic Facility to residential and commercial properties under Stage 1 and 2 water restrictions. A permit is valid for 21 days from the start date, and allows lawn sprinkling outside of restricted days.

Restrictions FAQ's

Why do we have water restrictions each summer?

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.

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?

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.

Do the Stage lawn sprinkling restrictions apply to sports playing fields and school fields?

No, sports playing fields and school fields are exempt from Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Water Shortage Response Bylaw 2012 No. 4909 . 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.

How are the parks and playing fields watered?

Township of Langley staff is 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. A 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.

The Township of Langley’s Water Shortage Response Bylaw has four stages of watering restrictions:

Stage 1 automatically implemented every year
Stages 2 and 3 used in times of extended drought, or when facing a water supply issue
Stage 4 reserved for emergency situations

All areas of the Township are subject to the next stages of restrictions if deemed necessary by Metro Vancouver or the General Manager of Engineering.

Water Shortage Response Plan

Being Water Wise

Remember, your lawn only needs 1 inch or 1 hour of watering per week. You can also let your lawn go dormant (golden) over the summer. Rest assured, it will 'green up' again when it starts raining in the fall.

What else can you do?

Add an auto-shut off attachment to your hose.
Sweep patios, decks, and driveways with a broom instead of the hose.
Pull planters into the shade to avoid the hot sun.
Water vegetable gardens in the morning, near the roots, and by hand.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They'll help trap moisture to reduce evaporation, and break down to feed your lawn naturally.
Check out our Water Wise page for more ways to conserve water.
When outdoor water restrictions have completed for the season, you can continue to save on water delivered to your home. Learn how to be Water Wise.