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 2 of Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan is in effect from August 4 to October 15.

Stage 2 water use regulations prohibit lawn watering of any kind. Trees, shrubs and flowers may be watered any day from 5 am to 9 am if using a sprinkler, and on any day at any time if using a hand-held hose with automatic shut-off device, a soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation. 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.

For more details visit Metro Vancouver Lawn Watering Regulations.

Lawn watering not allowed:
- Permit issued in Stage 1 remain in effect until permit expires. No new permits issued or renewed.
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 not allowed:
- Permit issued in Stage 1 remain in effect until permit expires. No new permits issued or renewed.
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.
- No new permits issued or renewed as of August 4, 2023
- No new permits issued or renewed as of August 4, 2023

FAQ's: Lawn Watering Regulations

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.