Water Restrictions

The Township of Langley’s Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 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.

Stage 1 Residential Watering Restrictions

Effective May 1 – October 15

Lawn watering allowed: 4:00 – 9:00am
- Even addresses: Wednesday and Saturday
- Odd addresses: Thursday and Sunday
Garden, shrub, tree, and flowerbed watering via sprinkler allowed: any day between 4:00 – 9:00am. If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, remember to adjust the timer!
Garden, shrub, tree, and flowerbed watering via handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation allowed: any day, any time

Stage 1 Non-Residential Watering Restrictions

Effective May 1 – October 15

Lawn watering allowed: 1:00 – 6:00am
- Even addresses: Monday
- Odd addresses: Tuesday
- All non-residential addresses: Friday, 4:00 – 9:00am
Garden, shrub, tree, and flowerbed watering via sprinkler allowed: any day between 1:00 – 9:00am
Garden, shrub, tree, and flowerbed watering via handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation allowed: any day, any time

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 watering outside of restricted days.

Watering Restrictions FAQ

Why do we have water restrictions each summer?

Water use doubles in the summer, primarily due to lawn watering. Restrictions around water use help ensure drinking water isn't wasted.

I'm not connected to the municipal water supply and use a private well/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 1 lawn watering restrictions apply to sports playing fields and school fields?

Yes, sports playing fields and school fields also have watering restrictions during Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 . Some fields have a sand base for year round use, allowing higher water infiltration and faster drainage to accommodate wet winter months. Due to this sand base, these playing field do need to water 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 are aware of water conservation, and only water to the extent required for facility maintenance. The majority of parks and playing fields use an automated watering system connected to a computerized central irrigation system. The computerized system uses local water data to calculate the evapotranspiration rate. The system then applies a measured amount of water to the soil to maintain specific soil moisture. Generally, parks and playing fields receive infrequent watering, but for longer periods of time, to force the turf to grow longer roots. Longer roots make turf more durable and resilient.

The Township of Langley’s Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 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 one hour of watering per week – including rain! 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