Metro Vancouver Water Restrictions Drop to Stage 2: What Homeowners, Buyers, and Sellers Need to Know About Pools, Lawns, and the Next Drought Risk

Metro Vancouver downgraded its water restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2 on Thursday, July 16, following the reopening of a major transmission pipe from the North Shore reservoirs. The temporary Stage 3 measures had been implemented to protect the regional water supply system while crews worked on the new Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a project replacing a 1930s-era water main. With the pipe back in service, residents can now water vegetable gardens at any time, wash vehicles and boats using a spring-loaded nozzle or commercial car wash, and refill personal pools and hot tubs. However, sprinkler and soaker hose use remains limited to the early morning window of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily.