---
title: New Westminster watering restrictions
question: "Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in New Westminster?"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
category: Water, sewer, roads and snow
owner: shared
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/water-restrictions/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/water-restrictions.json"
---

# New Westminster watering restrictions

**Question:** Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions in New Westminster?

**Short answer:** Yes. In New Westminster, Stage 1 applies every year from May 1 to October 15 without any announcement. At Stage 1, homes with even-numbered addresses may water lawns on Saturdays and odd-numbered homes on Sundays. From October 16 to April 30 there are no restrictions unless declared.

**Who handles it:** More than one level of government  
**Cost:** Watering permit for a new lawn: $59 single-family, $87 multiple-family, $176 commercial or industrial. Fines for watering when prohibited: bylaw notice Stage 1 $100, Stage 2 $200, Stage 3 $500; municipal ticket Stage 1 $500, Stage 2 $600, Stage 3 $750, Stage 4 $1,000.  
**How long:** Stage 1 runs May 1 to October 15 each year. Stages 2, 3 and 4 take effect 72 hours after a public announcement. A new-lawn permit lasts 21 days.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Engineering (lawn watering permits), 604-527-4592
- Online: Metro Vancouver lawn watering restrictions, https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions

## Key facts

- **When restrictions apply:** Stage 1 applies every year from May 1 to October 15, without any announcement. Metro Vancouver's Commissioner can declare Stage 2, 3 or 4, which take effect 72 hours after a public announcement. From October 16 to April 30 there are no restrictions unless declared.
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 3.2, 3.4](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "If no Restriction Stage is in force on May 1 of any year, Stage 1" … "Stage 1 Restrictions shall not remain in force after October 15th of"
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 3.1(b)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Restriction Stage described in the declaration comes into force in" … "seventy-two hours after the Commissioner"
  - Source: [Water Protection and Conservation, Lawn Watering](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/environment-and-sustainability/water-protection-and-conservation)
  - Official wording: "From October 16 to April 30, there are no water restrictions in place"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Sprinkling schedule:** Stage 1, residential: lawns may be watered Saturdays at even-numbered addresses and Sundays at odd-numbered addresses, 5-7 a.m. if automatic or 6-9 a.m. if manual. Non-residential: Mondays (even) and Tuesdays (odd), 4-6 a.m. automatic or 6-9 a.m. manual. Stage 2 and above: no lawn watering.
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), Sch. 1, s. 1.1(a)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "at premises with even numbered civic addresses on Saturdays from 5 – 7 AM if using automatic watering and" … "at premises with odd numbered civic addresses on Sundays from 5 – 7 AM if using automatic watering and"
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), Sch. 1, s. 1.1(b)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "at premises with even numbered civic addresses on Mondays from 4 – 6 AM if using automatic watering and"
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), Sch. 1, s. 2.1(a)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "b) Non-residential Addresses shall not: 2.1.1 Water lawns. 2.1.2 Water trees, shrubs, and flowers excluding edible plants,"
  - Source: [Lawn Watering Restrictions, Metro Vancouver, Stage 1 Residential](https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions)
  - Official wording: "Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays Automatic watering: 5:00 am – 7:00 am Manual watering: 6:00 am – 9:00 am"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Allowed at any time:** Trees, shrubs and flowers (not edible plants) may be watered any day at any time with a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container or drip irrigation, and by sprinkler 5-9 a.m. in Stage 1. Edible plants (vegetable gardens) are not restricted. In Stage 3, only handheld hose, container or drip irrigation.
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), Sch. 1, s. 1.1.2](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "on any day from 5 – 9 AM if using a sprinkler;" … "on any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker" … "1.1.2 Water trees, shrubs, and flowers excluding edible plants,"
  - Source: [Lawn Watering Restrictions, Metro Vancouver, Stage 1 Residential](https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions)
  - Official wording: "Vegetable gardens - Can be watered at any time"
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), Sch. 1, s. 3.1.2](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "3.1.2 Water trees, shrubs, and flowers excluding edible plants:" … "(ii) except on any day at any time if using a handheld hose,"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **New lawns:** A permit lets you water a new lawn (sod or seed), new landscaping, or a lawn treated for European chafer beetle with nematodes for 21 days from 4 to 9 a.m. during Stage 1 (one extension up to 42 days in total for nematodes). It covers Stage 1 and 2 only, not Stage 3 or 4. Fee $59 for a single-family home.
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 5.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "21 day period during the hours of 4 – 9 AM, at the premises described in" … "does not exempt the holder from Stage 3 & 4 Restrictions."
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 5.2](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "nematode treated lawn when Stage 1 Restrictions in force for a 21 day"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 11.0](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "$59.00 for Single Family"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice for watering when prohibited: Stage 1 $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $125 late); Stage 2 $200; Stage 3 $500. Municipal ticket information: Stage 1 $500, Stage 2 $600, Stage 3 $750, Stage 4 $1,000. Bylaw s. 6.3 court fines: $100 to $1,000.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026), Sch. A Part 25](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Stage 1 – water lawn 100.00 75.00 125.00" … "Stage 2 – water lawn 200.00 150.00 225.00" … "Stage 3 – water lawn 500.00 450.00 525.00"
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 6.3](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "$100 if the offence is committed when Stage 1 Restrictions are in" … "$1000 if the offence is committed when Stage 4 Restrictions are in"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026), Sch. B Part 25](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Stage 1 – water lawn when prohibited even 500.00" … "Stage 2 – water lawn when prohibited even 600.00" … "Stage 1 – water lawn when prohibited even" … "Stage 2 – water lawn when prohibited even" … "Stage 3 – water lawn when prohibited" … "Stage 4 – water lawns when prohibited"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Water Shortage Response Bylaw No. 6948, 2004 (permit fees in Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Part 11.0).
  - Source: [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025), s. 1.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the "Water Shortage Response Bylaw No." … "6948, 2004""
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 11.0, s. 1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013.”"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The City enforces Metro Vancouver's stages through its [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf). Stage 1 applies every year from May 1 to October 15, without any announcement. Metro Vancouver's Commissioner can declare Stage 2, 3 or 4, which take effect 72 hours after a public announcement, and may keep Stage 1 going past October 15. From October 16 to April 30 there are no restrictions unless declared. Check Metro Vancouver's page for the current stage.

## Good to know

- Stage 1, homes: lawns may be watered Saturdays at even-numbered addresses and Sundays at odd-numbered addresses, 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. if automatic or 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. if manual.
- Stage 1, non-residential: Mondays (even) and Tuesdays (odd), 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. if automatic or 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. if manual.
- Stage 2 and above: no lawn watering.
- Trees, shrubs and flowers (not edible plants) may be watered any day, any time, with a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container or drip irrigation, and by sprinkler 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Stage 1. Edible plants are not restricted. In Stage 3, only handheld hose, container or drip irrigation.
- Hoses need an automatic shut-off nozzle, and water must not run off onto driveways.
- A permit lets you water a new lawn (sod or seed), new landscaping, or a lawn treated for European chafer beetle with nematodes, for 21 days from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Stage 1 (one extension up to 42 days in total for nematodes). It covers Stages 1 and 2 only, not Stage 3 or 4. Fees: $59 single-family, $87 multiple-family, $176 commercial or industrial. Apply to the Director of Engineering Services (604-527-4592).
- Fines for watering when prohibited: a bylaw notice is $100 at Stage 1 ($75 if paid within 14 days), $200 at Stage 2 and $500 at Stage 3. A municipal ticket is $500 at Stage 1, $600 at Stage 2, $750 at Stage 3 and $1,000 at Stage 4. The bylaw also sets court fines of $100 to $1,000.
- The Engineering fees bylaw lists a rain barrel at $76.

## What you'll need

- Proof of the new lawn or landscaping when applying for a watering permit (the City's page does not list what is needed; ask Engineering)

## Official forms and pages

- [Lawn Watering FAQs (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Lawn_Watering_FAQs.pdf)
- [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/water-restrictions.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/water-restrictions.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/water-restrictions.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/water-restrictions.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/water-restrictions.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/water-restrictions.md)

## Sources

- [Water Protection and Conservation, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/environment-and-sustainability/water-protection-and-conservation) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Water Shortage Response Bylaw 6948, 2004 (consolidated 2025) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_6948__2004_Water_Shortage_Response__2025_05_12_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 11.0 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Lawn Watering Restrictions, Metro Vancouver](https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with any government. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/water-restrictions/_