Watering restrictions in effect throughout region

Lawn watering restrictions are now in effect throughout Metro Vancouver.

The regional district is reminding residents and businesses that they may only water their lawns one morning a week to conserve drinking water ahead of what is expected to be a hot and dry summer.

Restrictions will remain in place until Oct. 15. Reducing outdoor water use saves water for drinking, cooking and cleaning, and makes it less likely that restrictions will have to be escalated, Metro staff said in a news release Wednesday.

Stage 1 residential watering:

■ Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.

■ Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays — automatic watering between 5 and 7 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.

■ Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 5 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation. Edible plants are exempt from restrictions.

Stage 1 non-residential watering:

■ Even-numbered addresses: Mondays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.

■ Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays — automatic watering between 4 and 6 a.m., and manual watering between 6 and 9 a.m.

■ Trees, shrubs, and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day between 4 and 9 a.m., or any time by hand or using drip irrigation.

These restrictions don't apply to the use of rainwater, grey water, any forms of recycled water, or other sources of water outside the regional and municipal drinking-water supply system, Metro said.