Metro Vancouver is expected to move the region to Stage 3 water restrictions in early June.
While Stage 2 restrictions currently remain in effect, the information below provides details on what residents can expect when Metro Vancouver formally moves into Stage 3. The City of Delta will provide updates to residents when the official start date for Stage 3 is announced.
With support from Delta Council, Delta's focus through Stage 2 has been on education. The vast majority of Delta residents are complying, and that work is greatly appreciated. If we continue working together, we can reduce our water consumption and protect the supply we all rely on this summer.
Stage 3 brings tighter rules on water use for residents, businesses, and institutions. While the City of Delta has prioritized education and warnings throughout Stage 2, stronger enforcement will take place at Stage 3 to support regional water conservation goals.
Why the Region is Moving to Stage 3
Several pressures are driving the regional decision to tighten water restrictions: lower-than-usual mountain snowpack, elevated wildfire risk across the province due to hot, dry forecasted weather, and reduced system capacity while Metro Vancouver builds a new water supply tunnel through Stanley Park.
Together, these conditions mean conserving water this summer is especially important for preserving firefighting and emergency response capacity, and ensuring water is available when we need it most.
What Changes at Stage 3?
Lawn watering remains prohibited, as it was at Stage 2. The new restrictions tighten rules around trees, gardens, vehicles, pools, and other residential uses:
- Trees, shrubs, and gardens: Hand-watering only with a watering container, drip irrigation, or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle. Sprinklers and soaker hoses are no longer permitted.
- Pools and hot tubs: Filling and topping up is prohibited, except with a permit under health authority regulations.
- Vehicles: Washing is prohibited, except for windows, lights, mirrors, licence plates, and boat engines for safety.
- Pressure washing: Allowed only for health and safety reasons or to prepare a surface for painting.
- Decorative fountains and water features: No filling or topping up.
Non-residential restrictions also tighten at Stage 3, with separate rules for businesses, golf courses, and commercial car washes. Full regional rules are available on the Metro Vancouver website.
What the City of Delta is Doing
We're asking residents to change their habits, and we're changing ours too. Under Stage 3, the City will:
- Pause watering of lawns and grass boulevards across Delta, except where exempted under approved regional water management plans
- Reduce the watering schedule for sand- and soil-based playing fields
- Hand-water trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Turn off decorative fountains at City facilities
- Limit washing of City vehicles to safety-related cleaning, such as windows, lights, mirrors, and licence plates
Limit power washing to health and safety purposes or in preparation of required painting or maintenance only
Splash pads will remain open, as they operate on user-activated switches permitted under Stage 3. Pools will also remain open, as permitted under Fraser Health, except for regular maintenance shutdowns.
Stage 3 Enforcement
In Stage 3, bylaw officers will issue tickets for non-compliance. This ensures fairness to the majority who are following restrictions and protects the water we all rely on during a high-risk season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Stage 3 start?
Metro Vancouver will provide one week's notice, with the change expected sometime in June.
Can I still water my vegetable garden?
Yes. Hand-watering food gardens is allowed in both Stage 2 and Stage 3.
Can I water newly planted trees?
Hand-watering with a container, drip irrigation, or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle is allowed any time.
Is my business affected?
Non-residential restrictions apply to a range of commercial activities. See metrovancouver.org/water.
What is the fine for non-compliance?
Non-compliance fines are raised to $400 under Stage 3.
How can I report non-compliance?
To report watering that doesn’t comply with Stage 3 restrictions, use the DeltaConnect app.