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Watering Restrictions

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All residents, businesses, and other water users connected to Houston’s Municipal Water System are subject to the water conservation measures authorized under Water Conservation Measures Bylaw No. 1064. Water restrictions automatically take effect annually on May 1.

Based on water supply conditions, Council may declare additional stages of water restrictions on the advice of District staff, considering water demand, production capacity, and available supply. Any higher level restrictions will take effect 48 hours after a public announcement.

The Province of British Columbia has prepared a water conservation guide for residents and businesses. To learn more about ways to reduce water use, view the Province’s online water conservation guide .

Water Conservation Stages

Stage 1 Restrictions

• Lawn watering permitted only on assigned calendar days and during specified hours:
  • East of Buck Creek (e.g., Butler Avenue, 14th Street, Northside): Even numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 2)
  • West of Buck Creek (e.g., Mountainview Drive, Elliott Road, Goold Road): Odd numbered calendar days only (i.e. May 1)
  • Permitted times: 6:00 am–10:00 am and 7:00 pm–10:00 pm
• Washing boats or motor vehicles permitted only if hoses are equipped with an automatic shut off device (i.e. a sprinkler nozzle attachment).

Stage 2 Restrictions

Includes all Stage 1 requirements, plus:

• Washing sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs, or other outdoor surfaces is prohibited unless:
  • A hose equipped with an automatic shut off device is used and
  • The washing is required for:
    • Surface preparation (painting, sealing, or treatment)
    • Fire prevention or control
    • Health or safety purposes

Stage 3 Restrictions

• Lawn watering is prohibited at all times
• Gardens, shrubs, trees, and planters may be watered only by:
  • Hand watering
  • A hose equipped with an automatic shut off device
  • Sprinklers and soaker hoses are prohibited
• Operation of private water play parks, water slides, and sprinklers for recreation is prohibited
• Vehicle and boat washing is restricted to safety related purposes only
• Filling or refilling ornamental ponds, fountains, private hot tubs, and swimming pools is prohibited
• Use of hoses without an automatic shut off device is prohibited

Stage 4 Restrictions

• All outdoor watering and drip irrigation is prohibited, including:
  • Lawns and landscaping (including newly installed)
  • Gardens, planters, shrubs, and trees
  • Artificial turf and outdoor tracks
• Washing of outdoor surfaces is prohibited unless ordered by a regulatory authority
• Hauling of bulk water for non potable use is prohibited
• Restrictions apply equally to residential, commercial, institutional, and agricultural properties, including nurseries, turf farms, golf courses, sports fields, and school grounds

Exceptions by Conservation Stage

Stages 1 and 2 Permitted Exceptions

• Properties with a valid watering permit for new lawns or landscaping
• Watering of:
  • Public sports fields, school yards, turf farms, artificial turf, or tracks where required for safety or dust suppression
  • Flower and vegetable gardens, shrubs, trees, and decorative planters
  • Golf course playing surfaces

Stage 3 Permitted Exceptions

• Public sports fields, school yards, turf farms, artificial turf, or tracks where required for safety or dust suppression
• Flower and vegetable gardens, shrubs, trees, and decorative planters
• Golf course playing surfaces
• Commercial nurseries and produce farms
• Tree farms
• Golf course tee off areas and putting greens, limited to water use necessary to maintain turf viability

Seasonal Application

Water conservation stages automatically conclude on October 31, unless extended by Council resolution. Council may declare, extend, or reinstate any stage before or after October 31 as conditions require.

Permits for New Lawns and Landscaping

• Available during Stages 1–3 only
• Valid for 21 days, with one possible extension up to a maximum of 42 days
• Not valid during Stage 4
• Permits must be clearly displayed on the property and removed upon expiry

Offenses & Penalties

Violation of water restrictions is an offense against Bylaw No. 1064, and is subject to bylaw enforcement action by District staff. If you violate the limitations of a declared water restriction, you may be liable to a fine between $75.00 and $500.00 depending on the severity of the offense.

Contact Information

For more information about water restrictions, or to report a violation, please contact the District of Houston at:

District of Houston
3367 12th Street
PO Box 370
Houston, BC
V0J 1Z0
P: 250-845-2238
F: 250-845-3429
E: doh@houston.ca<