{"title":"Richmond watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/richmond","name":"Richmond","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"water-roads-and-snow","name":"Water, sewer, roads and snow"},"owner":"shared","owner_label":"More than one level of government","owner_body":null,"short_answer":"Yes. In the City of Richmond, Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 brings in Stage 1 on May 1 each year, and no stage stays in force after October 15 unless the regional Commissioner says so. In Stage 1, residential lawns may be watered one morning a week. Stages 2 to 4 ban lawn watering.","aliases":["lawn watering richmond","sprinkling days richmond","water restrictions richmond bc","watering schedule even odd address"],"cost":"Bylaw notice: Stage 1 $100 ($75 if paid within 28 days), Stage 2 $200, Stage 3 $500. Stage 4 municipal ticket $1,000. Court fine $3,000 to $50,000 for a first offence.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"email","label":"Water Restriction Exemption Permit applications","value":"SaveWater@richmond.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Community Bylaws (lawn watering complaints)","value":"604-276-4345"},{"type":"online","label":"Metro Vancouver water restrictions (current stage)","value":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Lawn Watering, City of Richmond","url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/water-sewer-flood/water-services/savewater/lawn.htm"},{"title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf"},{"title":"Metro Vancouver Lawn Watering Restrictions","url":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions"}],"related":[],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/vancouver","name":"Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/north-vancouver","name":"North Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/delta","name":"Delta","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/delta/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/north-vancouver-district","name":"District of North Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/water-restrictions/"}],"topic":{"title":"Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions/"},"facts":{"in_effect":{"label":"When restrictions apply","value":"Stage 1 comes into force on May 1 each year if no stage is already in force, and no stage stays in force after October 15 unless the Greater Vancouver Water District Commissioner declares otherwise. A higher stage (2 to 4) starts 72 hours after the Commissioner or the City's General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, publicly announces it. Metro Vancouver says restrictions run May 1 to October 15.","short":"Stage 1: May 1 to October 15; stricter by declaration","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 2.4.1","quotes":["If no restriction stage is in force on May 1st of any year, Stage 1","Restrictions come into force on that date without prior declaration of the","seventy-two hours after the Commissioner or the General Manager,","No Restriction Stage remains in force after October 15th of any year, unless the"]},{"url":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions","title":"Water Restrictions, Metro Vancouver","section":"intro","quotes":["Water restrictions are in effect from May 1 to October 15."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City's Lawn Watering page heads its Stage 1 section 'Stage 1 - Sep 1 to Oct 15', which does not match the bylaw (May 1 start) or Metro Vancouver (May 1 to October 15). The bylaw is followed here. No current stage is stated in the files read; the City page mentions Stage 1 only."},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":"Stage 1, residential lawns: even-numbered addresses Saturdays and odd-numbered addresses Sundays; automatic watering 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., manual watering 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (apartment, townhouse and strata complexes use the complex's number, not the unit number). Stages 2, 3 and 4: lawn watering prohibited. Non-residential lawns in Stage 1: even addresses Monday, odd Tuesday, automatic 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., manual 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.","short":"Stage 1: even Sat, odd Sun; no lawns Stages 2, 3 and 4","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A (Stage 1), Schedule B, C","quotes":["Even-numbered civic addresses: on Saturdays from","5 am to 7 am if automatic watering, on Saturdays","from 6 am to 9 am if manual watering.","Odd-numbered civic addresses: on Sundays from 5","Watering lawns Prohibited","the numerical portion of the street address that is assigned to the entire","complex, and not the individual unit number."]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/water-sewer-flood/water-services/savewater/lawn.htm","title":"Lawn Watering, City of Richmond","section":"Residential Properties","quotes":["Even numbered addresses on Saturdays from 5:00-7:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually","Odd numbered addresses on Sundays from 5:00-7:00am if using automatic watering, or 6:00-9:00am if watering manually"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":"Stage 1: trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers (not edible plants) may be watered any day at any time with a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container or drip irrigation, or 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. any day with a sprinkler. Edible plants and vegetable gardens are exempt. All hoses need an automatic shut-off device. Water not from the municipal system (rainwater, grey water, recycled water) is not restricted. In Stage 3 sprinklers and soaker hoses are banned for trees, shrubs and flowers.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, C; s. 2.1.1","quotes":["A person may only water from 5 am to 9 am on any","day if using a sprinkler.","A person may water on any day at any time if using a","handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or drip","all hoses must have an automatic shut-off device;","Prohibited if using a sprinkler or soaker hose."]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/water-sewer-flood/water-services/savewater/lawn.htm","title":"Lawn Watering, City of Richmond","section":"Additional Information","quotes":["Edible plants are exempt from watering restrictions.","These restrictions do not apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, or recycled water sources that are not part of the municipal drinking water system."]},{"url":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions","title":"Water Restrictions, Metro Vancouver","section":"Residential, Vegetable gardens","quotes":["Can be watered at any time"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":"Yes, with a permit and only in Stage 1: for a new lawn (sod, turf or seed), new landscaping, or applying nematodes for European chafer beetle. Apply to the General Manager, Engineering & Public Works (Water Restriction Exemption Permit, emailed to SaveWater@richmond.ca); fee $42.50 (nil for nematodes on a metered property). Valid 21 days, extendable to 42 (nematode permits cannot be extended). No new permits in Stage 2; all revoked in Stage 3.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1","quotes":["has installed a new lawn, either by placing sod or turf or by","is applying nematodes to a lawn to control the growth of","A permit is valid for the period of 21 days from the date of issue.","must end on or before 42 days from the original date of issue","A permit issued under subsection 3.1.1(b) cannot be extended.","No new permits issued or renewed.","Prohibited. All permits issued for lawn watering are","affixed to a post facing the street servicing the property"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Water Use Restriction schedule (PDF)","section":"Schedule - Water Use Restriction","quotes":["Permit application fee for new lawns or landscaping (s.3.1.1(a)) $42.50","Permit application fee for nematode applications for European"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/water-sewer-flood/water-services/savewater/lawn.htm","title":"Lawn Watering, City of Richmond","section":"How do I apply for an exemption?","quotes":["Send the completed application to SaveWater@richmond.ca along with the required documentation."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice (Bylaw 8122 Schedule A): Stage 1 $100 ($75 if paid within 28 days; $125 if paid after 60 days); Stage 2 $200 ($175 early; $225 late); Stage 3 $500 ($450 early; $525 late); watering contrary to a permit or failing to display a permit $100. Stage 4: municipal ticket $1,000 (Bylaw 7321 Schedule B16). On court conviction the fine is $3,000 to $50,000 for a first offence and $5,000 to $50,000 for later ones.","short":"Notice $100 Stage 1 ($75 if paid in 28 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8122_02092678501.pdf","title":"Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A - Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784","quotes":["Watering contrary to Stage 1 Restrictions 2.2.1 No $ 100.00 $ 75.00 $ 125.00 n/a","Watering contrary to Stage 2 Restrictions 2.2.2 No $ 200.00 $ 175.00 $ 225.00 n/a","Watering contrary to Stage 3 Restrictions 2.2.3 No $ 500.00 $ 450.00 $ 525.00 n/a","Watering contrary to the terms of a permit 3.1 No $ 100.00 $ 75.00 $ 125.00 n/a"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_7321_Consolidated_with_ABL_10667_06092577123.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw 7321, Schedule B16 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B 16","quotes":["Watering contrary to Stage 4 Restrictions 2.2.4 $1,000"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.2, 6.6","quotes":["for a first conviction, not less than $3,000 and not more than $50,000;","for a second or subsequent conviction, not less than $5,000 and not more than","shall be subject to the penalty and procedures established in the Municipal Ticket"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw No. 7784 (Greater Vancouver Water District restriction stages are set regionally by Metro Vancouver).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","section":"title","quotes":["CITY OF RICHMOND WATER USE RESTRICTION BYLAW NO. 7784 EFFECTIVE DATE - SEPTEMBER 13, 2004 CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY","Bylaw 9774 Page 13 SCHEDULE A to BYLAW NO. 10329 SCHEDULE A to BYLAW NO. 7784 STAGE 1 RESTRICTIONS Lot Water Use Restriction"]},{"url":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions","title":"Water Restrictions, Metro Vancouver","section":"Municipal enforcement","quotes":["Each Metro Vancouver member jurisdiction enforces water restrictions in their area."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\n[Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784](https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf) brings Stage 1 into force in the City of Richmond on May 1 each year if no stage is already in force. No stage stays in force after October 15 unless the Greater Vancouver Water District Commissioner declares otherwise. Metro Vancouver says restrictions run May 1 to October 15. A higher stage (2 to 4) starts 72 hours after the Commissioner or the City's General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, publicly announces it. To see which stage is in force now, check the Metro Vancouver water restrictions page.\n\n## Stage 1 (residential)\n\n- Lawns: even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered on Sundays. Automatic watering 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.; manual watering 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Apartment, townhouse and strata complexes use the complex's address number, not the unit number.\n- Trees, shrubs, decorative planters and flowers: any day at any time with a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container or drip irrigation, or 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. any day with a sprinkler.\n- Edible plants and vegetable gardens are exempt. Water not from the municipal system (rainwater, grey water, recycled water) is not restricted.\n- All hoses need an automatic shut-off device.\n- Non-residential lawns: even addresses Monday, odd addresses Tuesday; automatic 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., manual 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.\n\n## Stages 2 to 4\n\n- Lawn watering is prohibited. In Stage 3, sprinklers and soaker hoses are also banned for trees, shrubs and flowers.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- New lawns (sod, turf or seed), new landscaping and nematode treatment for European chafer beetle can be watered outside the schedule with a Water Restriction Exemption Permit, in Stage 1 only. Apply to the General Manager, Engineering & Public Works, by emailing SaveWater@richmond.ca. The fee is $42.50 (nil for nematodes on a metered property). A permit is valid 21 days and can be extended to 42 (nematode permits cannot be extended). No new permits in Stage 2, and all are revoked in Stage 3.\n- The City's lawn page heads its Stage 1 section \"Sep 1 to Oct 15\", which does not match the bylaw or Metro Vancouver. Check Metro Vancouver's page to confirm the dates.\n- Bylaw notices: Stage 1 $100 ($75 if paid within 28 days, $125 after 60 days); Stage 2 $200 ($175 early, $225 late); Stage 3 $500 ($450 early, $525 late). Watering contrary to a permit, or not displaying one, is $100. A Stage 4 municipal ticket is $1,000.\n- On court conviction the fine is $3,000 to $50,000 for a first offence and $5,000 to $50,000 for later ones.\n- Metro Vancouver lists Community Bylaws, 604-276-4345, for lawn watering information and complaints in Richmond.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_778462496.pdf","title":"Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/water-sewer-flood/water-services/savewater/lawn.htm","title":"Lawn Watering, City of Richmond","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://metrovancouver.org/services/water/water-restrictions","title":"Water Restrictions, Metro Vancouver","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Water Use Restriction schedule (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8122_02092678501.pdf","title":"Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Schedule A (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_7321_Consolidated_with_ABL_10667_06092577123.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw 7321, Schedule B16 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/water-restrictions.json"}}