Metro Vancouver Moves to Stage 2 Water Restrictions Early Due to Dry Forecast and Low Snowpack

Metro Vancouver will skip Stage 1 water restrictions and move directly to Stage 2 starting May 1, 2026, due to a dry forecast and low snowpack.

The decision was announced by Metro Vancouver Water Services on Friday, April 25, 2026, with officials stating it is unprecedented this early in the year to implement Stage 2 restrictions.

Linda Parkinson of Metro Vancouver Water Services said the region is being told to prepare for drought conditions this summer, citing an El Niño forecast.

Officials also pointed to ongoing strain on the water system from the water supply tunnel replacement project through Stanley Park as a contributing factor.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, all residential and non-residential lawn watering is banned.

Residents may water trees, shrubs and flowers any day from 5 a.m. To 9 a.m. Using automatic or manual sprinklers, or at any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation, provided hoses have an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Vegetable gardens can be watered at any time under the restrictions.

Non-residential property owners may water trees, shrubs, and flowers any day from 4 a.m. To 9 a.m. With automatic or manual sprinklers, or at any time via hand watering or drip irrigation, also requiring automatic shut-off nozzles on hoses.

Metro Vancouver CAO Jerry Dobrovolny noted that lawns will likely go brown in the summer but are expected to recover in the fall.