Water Restrictions

Stage 1 reduces demand in the summer months and is automatically in effect on May 1 until October 15.

Lawns

Lawn watering is allowed once per week, in the morning, unless you have a valid Water Exemption Permit. Your watering day is based on the last number of your street address. See the table below for details.

Trees, shrubs and flowers

Vegetables, fruits, and herbs

There are no water restrictions on watering edible plants during stage 1.

Restrict non-essential use of water

The use of water for non-essential purposes, such as filling up fountains, pools, or washing cars, is permitted during stage 1; however, everyone is encouraged to use only what is necessary.

​Stage 2 is activated and deactivated by the Greater Vancouver Water District Commissioner and is likely to be activated during unusually hot and dry conditions to help manage our drinking water. See what is allowed and what isn't during for residential and non-residential properties:

Restrict non-essential use of water

The use of water for non-essential purposes, such as filling up fountains, pools, or washing cars, is permitted during stage 2; however, everyone is encouraged to use only what is necessary.

Langley City Spray Parks 

Langley City Spray Parks are touch-activated and will remain operational during Stage 2.

​Stage 3 is activated and deactivated by the Greater Vancouver Water District Commissioner and is likely to be activated during unusually hot and dry conditions to maximize conservation.

Stage 4 is activated and deactivated by the Greater Vancouver Water District Commissioner during an emergency — such as an earthquake, flood, wildfire, or during severe drought — to immediately limit water use to essential needs. ​

A permit is valid for 21 days and may be renewed once during stage 1.

You can apply for a water exemption permit for new lawns by sod or seed that need additional water. Proof of purchase of sod or seed is required.

Exemption permits for overseeding existing lawns are not available.

There are no fees, but proof of nematode purchase or of hiring professional treatment services is required to apply for an exemption permit.

Exemption permits are valid for 21 days. Permit extensions to treat European Chafer beetles are not available. Residents must apply for a new permit.

To apply for a new permit or to apply for an extension, contact the Engineering and Parks Operations Department by:

• Emailing engineering@langleycity.ca
• Calling: 604.514.2997

If you are extending the exemption permit, contact the Engineering department before the original permit's expiry date.

The use of water increases by up to 50% in the summer, primarily due to lawn watering. Water restrictions help the region save water for where we need it most like drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Lawn watering is not allowed in the evenings to save water for essential household activities like doing laundry or showering.

The bylaw only applies to properties connected to the municipal water supply.

Private well water is under Provincial jurisdiction, however, we encourage all property owners to consider water restrictions and reduce water use when and where possible.

Yes. The Drinking Water Conservation Bylaw No. 3037 applies to sports and school fields, but their watering schedules are different from residential and non‑residential lawns. Many fields are built with a sand base that drains quickly and requires summer watering to stay healthy and prevent turf damage. This approach is consistent with other nearby municipalities.

Automatic systems can easily run longer than needed, so separate watering times help prevent overwatering and manage water demand. Manual watering has different times because someone needs to be present to turn the water on and off.

In past years, healthy snowpacks helped refill reservoirs into early summer, reducing the need for higher restrictions. As climate change makes weather and water supply less predictable, reducing water use earlier helps ensure there is enough drinking water every year.