While many people have turned their attention toward their gardens as they stay at home during the pandemic, the city is seeking to conserve treated drinking-water supplies as we head into the warmer and drier months of the year.

The City of Vancouver announced on April 28 that annual watering restrictions begin on Friday (May 1) this year, and will remain in effect until October 15.

Lawn and garden watering, including flower gardens, shrubs, plants, and trees, will be allowed only two days per week. Watering vegetable gardens and surface or power washing are currently exempt from the restrictions.

Permitted watering days are based upon addresses.

Residential addresses are divided into even-numbered (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and odd-numbered (Thursdays and Sundays), both from 4 to 9 a.m.

For nonresidential addresses, even-numbered addresses can water from 1 to 6 a.m. on Mondays, while odd-numbered addresses can water from 1 to 6 a.m. on Tuesdays. Both can water from 4 to 9 a.m. on Fridays.

Anyone watering outside of permitted times, which is a bylaw offence, could be hit with a $250 fine.

Hoses must also have automatic shut-off devices on them all year round.

Watering information, including tips on reducing water consumption, can be found on the VanConnect app or at the City of Vancouver website.