Water Restrictions

Whether it’s from a tap or a hose, it’s all drinking water – let’s use the region’s supply wisely. Annual water restrictions are in effect May 1 through October 15 in municipalities throughout Metro Vancouver, including Port Moody. Stages range from 1 through 4 depending on the level needed to ensure reliable water delivery during peak periods. Using less water at home, both outside and indoors, helps us save treated drinking water for where it’s needed most: drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Metro Vancouver Stage 3 watering restrictions in effect – lawn watering is prohibited

The region’s drinking water is managed by Metro Vancouver under its Drinking Water Conservation Plan, which includes the full list of water restrictions for stages 1 through 4. The City of Port Moody enforces restrictions through our Water Conservation Plan Bylaw No. 3346. Remember to follow current restrictions to conserve drinking water and avoid fines.

The ban on lawn watering, introduced in Stage 2, continues. Trees, shrubs, and flower gardens need to be watered by hand or drip irrigation in Stage 3. Use of sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses is not permitted.

The temporary move to Stage 3 is due in part to warm, dry weather and a low snowpack this year. Metro Vancouver is also making the change to protect the water supply system while critical infrastructure work is completed. Review Metro Vancouver’s media release dated June 1, 2026 for more information.

Here's how you can do your part

As of June 8, adhere to the Stage 3 water restrictions that are in effect across the Metro Vancouver region:

Residential	Non-residential
Lawn watering is prohibited. Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers need to be watered by hand or drip irrigation. Sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses are not allowed. Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.	Lawn watering is prohibited. Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers need to be watered by hand or drip irrigation. Sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses are not allowed. Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.

Residential

Non-residential

Lawn watering is prohibited.

Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers need to be watered by hand or drip irrigation.

Sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses are not allowed.

Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.

Lawn watering is prohibited.

Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers need to be watered by hand or drip irrigation.

Sprinklers, sprinkler systems, and soaker hoses are not allowed.

Vegetable gardens can be watered any time.

Did you know that using hoses and sprinklers for lawn care diverts water from our regional drinking water supply? This is because the water from our kitchen taps and backyard hoses comes from the same source. During dry periods and warmer months, our regional water use can increase by more than 50 per cent, largely due to lawn and garden watering, and other outdoor uses. Restrictions help manage demand for drinking water, during the drier months and periods of water shortages, and in emergencies.

Learn more about the B.C. government's general water conservation tips. Residents can also find practical water‑saving tips and information at Metro Vancouver’s welovewater.ca, along with other provincial resources.

View drought levels in your area and throughout the province on the B.C. government's Drought Portal.

Exemption permits

Exemption permits are not available for 2026. Under Port Moody’s Water Conservation Plan Bylaw, residents establishing new lawns or using nematode applications are only eligible for a temporary exemption permit from water restrictions when Stage 1 is in effect.