Water Conservation

Watering exemption permits will be issued by City of Delta during Stage 1 for eligible properties and circumstances. A permit is required only where an exemption applies under the applicable regulations.

Lawn watering is permitted:

• Even-numbered addresses: Saturday mornings, from 5:00 am to 7:00 am for automatic watering, or 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Sunday mornings, from 5:00 am to 7:00 am for automatic watering, or 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering.

Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered:

• Any day from 5:00 am to 9:00 am when using a sprinkler.
• Any day, at any time, when using a handheld hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, soaker hose, watering container, or drip irrigation.

Vegetable gardens and other edible plants may be watered any day, at any time, using any watering method.

Lawn watering is permitted once per week according to the property's address:

• Even-numbered addresses: Monday mornings, from 4:00 am to 6:00 am for automatic watering, or 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering.
• Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday mornings, from 4:00 am to 6:00 am for automatic watering, or 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering.

Trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered from 4:00 am to 9:00 am using a sprinkler, or at any time using permitted hand-watering, soaker hoses, watering containers, or drip irrigation methods.

Contact Delta’s Property Use and Compliance Division at 604-946-3340 or by using the DeltaConnect app to report a watering violation.

Yes. During Stage 1 Water Restrictions, trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered on any day using permitted methods.

Vegetable gardens and other edible plants: May be watered any day, at any time, using any watering method.

Please see the Stage 1 residential and non-residential watering schedules above or visit  Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Restrictions, for more information.

The different stages of Water Use Restrictions can be seen in Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan. 

Yes. During Stage 1 Water Restrictions, vehicles and boats may be washed at home or at a commercial car wash.

When washing a vehicle at home, use a handheld hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Pressure washing is permitted during Stage 1. Residents and businesses are encouraged to use water efficiently and avoid unnecessary water use.

See Metro Vancouver’s Lawn Watering Restrictions for more information.

• Certain uses, such as golf courses and turf farms, may operate under approved water management plans that set strict limits on water use.

Unlike typical residential lawns, most sports fields are built on a sand base for better drainage. Sports turf grown on a sand base can die if not watered, and replacement costs are high. 

Summer is when Metro Vancouver uses the most water (up to 60% more than the rest of the year) and receives the least amount of rainfall. Restricting water use during the summer allows the region to effectively manage water distribution during peak use. Visit Metro Vancouver’s website for more information about regional conservation.

Non-compliance fine is $150 under Stage 1 Watering Restrictions. 

To report watering that does not comply with Stage 1 Water Restrictions, use the DeltaConnect app.

Rain barrels are used to collect and store water for outdoor usage such as watering your garden, washing outside surfaces, and washing your car. Using rainwater will reduce the amount of tap water you use, which will save you money on your utility bill.

Delta offers rain barrels to residents for $117.50 (including tax).

The rain barrels are made from dark green recycled plastic and a half cylinder design, which allows them to sit flat up against a wall. Approximately 137 cm high, 53 cm deep, and 107 cm wide, each barrel holds up to 341 liters (75 gallons) of water and weighs about 20.5 kg (when empty). When attached to the downspout of a residential home it can fill up with one day of rain. 

Rain Barrel Installation with Fitting Sizes

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Included with Rain Barrel

• Screen to remove debris
• Two faucets to accommodate hoses and watering cans
• PVC overflow pipe
• PVC plug

How to Purchase a Rain Barrel

The cost of a rain barrel is $117.50 (including tax) and they can be purchased through Delta using the following options:

• City Hall - Engineering Department (pay in-person by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card)
• Recreation Centres (pay by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card)
• Pay over the phone (604-952-3000) by credit card at any Delta recreation centre

Once purchased, rain barrels can be picked up from the Engineering Operations Yard (5404 64 Street) between the hours of 8:30 am to 12 pm and 12:30 pm to 3 pm. Rain barrels can also be delivered to your residence. Deliveries take place within 1 week, weekdays between 4 pm to 8 pm and on weekends between 7 am to 2 pm. 

*Must be a Delta resident to purchase a rain barrel. Proof of residency is required.

Questions? We're here to help! Contact us by email or by phone at 604-946-3260.

There is no cost to the homeowner for the installation of the water meter as part of this program. 

Water meters are installed on a first come first serve basis as part of the Voluntary Water Meter Program.

Fill out the on-line form or fill out the Voluntary Water Meter Brochure and or drop it off at City Hall (4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent) or email a copy to watermeters@delta.ca. 

Please note: The program is designed for single-family residential dwellings only and does not include duplexes or strata units.

Terms & Conditions:

•  Water meters are not to be tampered with after installation.
• Once installed, the water meter will not be removed, and the residence cannot revert back to the flat rate utility bill.

A door knocker notification will be placed on the property in advance of installation. One of the workers will let the resident know on the day the meter is being installed since water will need to be temporarily turned off during the installation.

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Since the water meters and box are installed on Delta's side of the property line, access to the property is typically minimal. Access to the front boulevard and the water shut off will be needed. 

Either the Engineering Operations team will be installing the water meters or a utility services contractor may be hired by the City of Delta.

Water meter installation time varies. Typically, installation of the water meter and box takes one business day and often less than 3 hours. During installation, water is anticipated to be shut off for 30 to 60 minutes.

There will be a second visit and perhaps a third visit for surface restorations. Please note that City of Delta will do their best to restore impacted areas to existing or better conditions. 

Meter Boxes type is determined by Engineering Operations based on location. Meters that are installed in hard surfaces, like asphalt or concrete, are typically concrete with a metal lid and all others are plastic.

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DIMENSIONS 2.8 ft (0.86 m) L x  1.9 ft (0.58 m) W	DIMENSIONS 2.6 ft (0.78 m) L x  1.5 ft (0.45 m) W

Meters are installed in a below-ground box on Delta’s side of the property line, on-top of the water service line.

To have a better understanding of the property line around your residence, please visit DeltaMap.

In most cases, no. Meter boxes will be installed at the location of their current water service shutoff, on Delta’s side of the property line. 

Homeowners are not to touch the water meter. Access is only required to turn the water off to the property.

Delta owns the meter and will repair, service and replace the meter as needed unless the meter was damaged intentionally.