Water Restrictions
All water delivered to your home is drinking water. The Township of Langley’s Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 restricts non-essential uses of water in four stages, consistent with Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan:
Click on each of the stages below to see stage specific restrictions.
See a summary of Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
Activation of stages 2 through 4 are determined by Metro Vancouver or the Township of Langley based on reservoir levels and expected rainfall and/or snow melt. During all stages, residents must ensure:
- All hoses have an automatic shut-off device (ex. spring loaded nozzle)
- When watering lawns or gardens (as permitted), water must not unnecessarily run off impermeable surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, or curbs
- Hoses and taps must not run unnecessarily
- Irrigation systems must not be faulty, leaking or misdirected
What is automatic vs. manual lawn watering?
Automatic watering is a method of watering that requires minimal human intervention that may include the use of timers, sensors, computers, or mechanical devices that enable someone to set the system to water lawns on prescribed days and/or times. Examples include irrigation systems or sprinklers attached to a watering timer.
Manual watering is a method of watering that requires human intervention such that watering would not occur without human involvement at the time watering is desired to occur. Examples include a traditional sprinkler attached to a faucet turned on by hand, watering lawns by handheld hose, etc.
Water Exemption Permits
New lawns
Properties establishing a new lawn by sod, turf, or seed that wish to water additional mornings must obtain a Water Exemption Permit. A permit is valid for 21 days from the start date, with one consecutive renewal possible, and must be displayed at the property. Water Exemption Permits for the purpose of establishing a new lawn are subject to fees. Permits are not available for overseeding existing lawns. Water exemption permits and extensions are available during Stage 1 restrictions. If Stage 2 is declared, these permits remain valid until their expiry date but may not be extended and new permits will not be issued.
Treatment of European Chafer Beetles
Properties experiencing an infestation of the European Chafer Beetle that wish to treat the affected lawn by applying nematodes or other allowable treatments, can apply for a Water Exemption Permit to allow watering on additional days. Nematode application is most effective when it is applied at the end of July. Water Exemption Permits for the purpose of applying nematodes to treat European Chafer Beetles are not subject to fees, however, proof of nematode purchase or hiring of professional treatment services is a requirement for issuance. Water exemption permits for treating European Chafer Beetle may be obtained while Stage 1 restrictions are in effect. If Stage 2 is declared, they shall remain valid until their expiry date, however, no new permits will be issued. Read more on Chafer Beetles here.
Water Exemption Permit Applications
| Apply online for a water exemption permit |
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Township of Langley Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 limits lawn watering to one morning per week from May 1 to October 15, consistent with Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan. Watering additional mornings is only permitted if a property obtains a Water Exemption Permit for the reason of establishing a new lawn, or for application of nematodes for the purpose of treating a lawn affected by the European Chafer Beetle. Water Exemption Permits are available to residential and commercial properties when stage 1 restrictions are in effect. Once issued, a permit is valid for 21 days from the start date. Permits for new lawns are eligible for extension, consecutive with the the initial permit, while permits for nematode applications are not eligible for extension. Requests for permit extensions are not available on-line. Permit holders must call 604-533-6006 during regular business hours to request an extension prior to the expiry date of the original permit. Approved permits must be displayed at the property.
Water Exemption Permit Application Fees are non-refundable and payable at time of application.
There is no application fee for Water Exemption Permits for Nematode applications to combat European Chafer Beetle infestations. Proof of nematode purchase or professional treatment services must be submitted with your application. Apply for a Water Exemption PermitClick on the link for your desired permit to begin the application process.
Questions about Water Exemption Permits can be directed to the Township’s Engineering Division at opsinfo@tol.ca or 604-532-7300. |
Frequently asked questions
| Why do we have water restrictions each summer? |
| Water use increases by up to 50% in the summer, primarily due to lawn watering. Restrictions around water use help ensure drinking water isn't wasted. |
| Why can’t I water in the evening? |
| Lawn watering is prohibited in the evenings as this is a period when demand for water is highest for other household activities such as washing clothes or showering. Evening watering has been prohibited for over a decade. |
| 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? |
| The bylaw only applies to properties connected to the municipal water supply. Private well water is under Provincial jurisdiction, however, we encourage all property owners to be good environmental stewards and follow water use restrictions. Water restrictions are in place to protect our shared drinking water to help ensure a continued source of water for all. |
| Do water restrictions apply to sports playing fields and school fields? |
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Yes, Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw 2018 No. 5321 also places restrictions on when sports playing fields and school fields may be watered, however, their timing is different than residential and non-residential lawns. 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 fields must 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? What about spray parks? |
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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. All Township spray parks implement the following water conservation features:
And almost all Township spray parks handle runoff through surface swales and channels to allow off-gassing of chlorine before the water is diverted into natural watercourses where it:
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| What should I do if I am unsure a neighbour should be watering? |
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If you know your neighbour, you may wish to have a quick chat with them to ensure they have the right details for this year's watering restrictions. Feel free to mention the Township’s Water Restrictions website address with them so they can find more information online: tol.ca/waterrestrictions. Otherwise, call our Engineering team at 604-532-7300 to place a service request regarding watering outside of permitted times. The team will be able to assist best. |
| Why are there different times allocated to automatic vs. manual watering? |
| Although a healthy lawn only requires one hour of watering per week, Metro Vancouver has observed some properties watering their lawns any time watering is allowed, regardless of how much water is actually needed. The new automatic vs. manual distinction helps ensure those with automated systems do not leave their systems on for hours on end. Differing times for automatic and manual watering are implemented to help control overall demand on the distribution system while recognizing those watering by manual methods must get up to turn on their sprinklers. |
| When was lawn watering reduced to one morning per week? |
| Metro Vancouver revised the region’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan in the fall of 2021 in preparation for the following summer after an extremely warm and dry summer that included a ‘heat dome’ event. Even with reduced lawn watering, the summer of 2022 saw restrictions extended beyond their original October 15 end date, while the summer of 2023 saw the region move to Stage 2. It is important to abide by restrictions starting May 1 to help avoid the need for higher restriction stages later in the season. |
| What is being done to increase the supply of available water to the region? |
| Even with conservation efforts, the region’s population will continue to grow and eventually require a larger water supply. Planning has begun for a second, deeper water intake at the Coquitlam Lake reservoir to increase the water available to the region. Construction is expected to begin later this decade and complete in the late 2030s. Learn more about the project on Metro Vancouver’s website. |
| How do I report concerns about watering on a property outside permitted times? |
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Reports of watering outside permitted times should be submitted to the Engineering Division by calling 604-532-7300 or e-mailing opsinfo@tol.ca. Please include the following information when contacting us. Reports of watering violations missing any of the information below will be considered incomplete and not responded to.
Photos and/or videos of observed watering are appreciated to help staff in their investigation. Learn more about what to do if you think a neighbour is watering outside of permitted times. |
Being Water Wise Outdoors
Water conservation efforts can go beyond limiting lawn watering to one morning per week. Ensuring your lawn is maintained year round through actions such as aerating, thatching and mowing at ankle height can reduce evaporation and the need for additional watering. Choosing drought resistant lawn alternatives can also help reduce outdoor water use.
Remember, a properly maintained lawn only needs one hour of watering per week – including rain! The Township encourages residents encourages residents to voluntarily reduce water use beyond what is required by restrictions by allowing their lawn to go dormant and turn golden over the summer. Rest assured, it will become green again when the fall rain returns. See more waterwise lawn tips.
Want some other water wise tips for the summer?
- Use a watering timer to have your sprinkler turn off after an hour
- Sweep patios, decks, and driveways with a broom instead of the hose
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn. They’ll help trap moisture to reduce evaporation, and break down to feed your lawn naturally
- Water vegetable gardens in the morning, near the roots, and by hand
- When water restrictions finish for the season, continue to conserve water delivered to your home by looking for indoor opportunities to save water.