VANCOUVER, BC – For the first time in recent history, Metro Vancouver will bypass the standard Stage 1 regulations and move directly into Stage 2 water restrictions on May 1. The decision, announced by the Metro Vancouver Regional District on Tuesday, comes in response to a critically low snowpack and a long-range forecast predicting an unusually hot and dry summer.

The most significant change under Stage 2 is a total ban on lawn watering for both residential and non-residential properties. Unlike Stage 1, which typically allows for once-a-week watering, Stage 2 mandates that all lawns across the region remain unwatered until further notice.

"Our reservoirs are currently at normal seasonal levels, but the snowpack that feeds them is at just 55% of its historical average," said a Metro Vancouver spokesperson. "With the primary water supply pipe from the North Shore currently offline for the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project, we must act early to ensure there is enough treated drinking water for essential needs like cooking, cleaning, and fire protection."

Under the newly implemented Stage 2 restrictions, the most significant change for residents and business owners across all member jurisdictions is the total prohibition of lawn watering. While grass must remain unwatered, the regional district has allowed for more flexibility with other greenery. Residents may use sprinklers for trees, shrubs, and flowers daily between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM, while non-residential properties are granted an earlier window from 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM. For those preferring hand watering or drip irrigation, these methods remain permitted at any time for plants and vegetable gardens.

Beyond landscaping, the Stage 2 mandate introduces stricter controls on elective water use. The filling of aesthetic water features, such as ornamental fountains and ponds, is strictly prohibited for both residential and commercial sectors. Additionally, the cleaning of outdoor surfaces like driveways and sidewalks is no longer allowed, unless the cleaning is required to address a specific health or safety concern. All hoses used during this period must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle to prevent unnecessary waste. Note: All hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Municipalities are stepping up enforcement to ensure compliance. In the City of Vancouver, watering infractions can result in a $500 fine. Unlike Stage 1, no new water exemption permits (typically used for new lawns or nematode treatments) will be issued or renewed while Stage 2 is in effect.

Officials warned that if the dry trend continues and demand does not decrease, the region could move to Stage 3 as early as June. Stage 3 would trigger an outright ban on all automatic irrigation (including plants), a ban on filling pools and hot tubs, and a prohibition on washing motor vehicles for aesthetic reasons.

Residents are encouraged to "embrace the brown" this summer and prioritize the conservation of the region's most precious resource.

"Every drop used on a lawn is a drop taken away from our critical summer reserves," the district stated. "We are asking everyone to do their part starting May 1."