Water Conservation

Water is essential to our daily lives. We use it to cook, clean, nourish our bodies, and keep our gardens green and growing. However, it is important to use water appropriately and efficiently.

Delta's Water Conservation Initiatives

The City of Delta has a number of water conservation initiatives available for residents to take part in.

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 $70.00 (including tax and delivery).
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.
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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 $70.00 (including tax and delivery) and they can be purchased through Delta using the following options:
- City Hall - Engineering Department (pay in-person by cash, cheque, or debit)
- Recreation Centres (pay by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card)
- Pay over the phone 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 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rain barrels can also be delivered to your residence. Deliveries are scheduled every one to two weeks between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
*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.
Water Metering Program
The City of Delta is installing water meters for the following:
- All existing and new industrial, commercial, agricultural, and institutional properties;
- All new developments, including Single-Family and Multi-Family Dwellings;
- All legal secondary suites properties;
- Anyone installing a new service from the City water main to the property line; and,
- Any properties undertaking major renovations.
Voluntary Water Metering Program – Single-Family Dwellings
Delta's Voluntary Water Metering Program is designed to enhance the quality of life in our community and prepare for future growth. Metering is an equitable method to charge for water that is based on a user-pay system. In that respect, it is consistent with other utility commodities such as natural gas and electricity–you only pay for the amount of water you use. Water metering helps you understand how much water your family consumes, and may even help change your daily habits.
How to Sign Up for the Voluntary Water Metering Program
Fill out the form on the Voluntary Water Meter Brochure and email or drop it off at City Hall (4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent).
Please note: The program is designed for single-family residential dwellings only and does not include duplexes or strata units.

Lawn Watering Regulations

Stage 1 of Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect every year from May 1 to October 15.

Stage 1 water use regulations are in effect every year across the region to help conserve drinking water during the hot and dry summer months. During this time, watering lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers outside the designated days and times is prohibited. Violations may result in fines under Delta Water Service Bylaw No. 7441, 2016. Regulations apply to all properties including single-family and multi-family residential properties and commercial, institutional and industrial non-residential properties.

A healthy lawn only needs one hour of water a week including rain. For more information on waterwise lawn care, including lawn care schedules, visit Metro Vancouver’s Waterwise Lawn Care website.

For more details visit Metro Vancouver Lawn Watering Regulations.

Lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses: Saturday mornings from 5 am to 7 am for automatic watering and 6 am to 9 am for manual watering
- Odd-numbered addresses: Sunday mornings from 5 am to 7 am for automatic watering and 6 am to 9 am for manual watering
Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers allowed:
- On any day from 5 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler
- On any day at any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
Lawn watering allowed:
- Even-numbered addresses: Monday from 4 am to 6 am for automatic watering and 6 am to 9 am for manual watering
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday from 4 am to 6 am for automatic watering and 6 am to 9 am for manual watering
Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers allowed:
- On any day from 4 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler
- On any day at any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.
- Edible plants are exempt from regulations.
If you plant a new lawn during the lawn watering regulations and require additional watering, you can apply for a temporary Watering Exemption Permit from City Hall (4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent). Permits are valid for 21 days and allow lawn watering seven days a week, between 5:00 am to 7:00 am for automatic watering and 6:00 am to 9:00 am for manual watering. Permits must be displayed in a front window. The current rate for a watering exemption permit is $56 including taxes. Proof of purchase of lawn seed or sod is required.
Contact the Engineering Department at 604-946-3260 or email to request a permit.
Watering exemption permits are available for the application of nematodes to control the European chafer beetle. Nematodes are most effective when applied between late July and mid-August and require lawns to be thoroughly watered before and after application. Above permit conditions apply. Proof of nematode application is required (receipt for nematode purchase or notification from company providing nematode treatment service).

FAQ's: Lawn Watering Regulations

If you have a new lawn, you may apply for a Watering Exemption Permit from City Hall or the North Delta Recreation Centre. Permits are valid for 21 days and allow lawn watering seven days a week between 5 am to 7 am for automatic watering and 6 am to 9 am for manual watering. Permits must be clearly displayed in a front window. The current rate for a Watering Exemption Permit is $56 including taxes.
Lawns naturally become dormant and turn brown during the hot summer weather but revive quickly in the fall after consistent rainfall. A healthy lawn only requires 2.5 cm (1”) of water a week which can be applied in about one hour of sprinkling.
Tip! Use a tuna can to measure how much water your sprinkler uses. A tuna can is about 2.5 cm deep so when it’s full, you’re done sprinkling for the week.