Summer Watering Restrictions

Outdoor watering restrictions are in effect May 1 to October 15 each year.

Stage 1 Residential Lawn Watering

• Lawn and garden sprinkling are allowed on the following days:
• Even addresses - Wednesday & Saturday
• Odd addresses - Thursday & Sunday
• Watering can only occur between 5 - 8 am or 7 - 10 pm on these days
• Apartments and townhouses follow complex addresses, not individual unit numbers.

New unestablished lawns require an exemption certificate. Learn how to apply for a certificate here.

Find out what other water restrictions are in place during stage 1.

Violations can be reported to the Engineering Department at 604-793-2907 or [email protected].

Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lawn While Using Less Water

• Water one hour per week, whether by sprinkler or rain
• Adjust your sprinkler timer – ensure you program your timer to abide by local regulations and to avoid overwatering
• Water early in the morning – this will help reduce the amount of water lost due to evaporation and will help minimize the potential of burning your grass and/or other plants
• Let your lawn go golden (dormant), the grass will return to green in the fall with proper preparation and maintenance
• Prepare your lawn for summer conditions by aerating and over seeding in the spring
• Mow high, this helps shade deep roots that hold water

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we follow water restrictions and conserve water?

The City of Chilliwack’s water conservation plan is designed to ensure there is enough water for non-discretionary uses (like drinking, showering, toilet flushing, and laundry) during the summer months when we are more prone to drought conditions. Following water conservation strategies helps keep the level of the Sardis-Vedder Aquifer high and reduces the risk of moving to the next conservation stage later in the summer.

By conserving water today, we reduce energy consumption and sustainably manage our precious groundwater source.

Can I pressure wash my driveway, sidewalk, exterior building surface?

During Stage 1, residents are allowed to wash impermeable surfaces, using handheld containers and a hose with a spring loaded shut off nozzle.

I have a business that relies on pressure washing. Do these restrictions mean I can’t pressure wash for business purposes?

During Stage 1 restrictions, it is required to use handheld containers or a hose with a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle for washing. Additional restrictions apply during subsequent stages of watering restrictions.

Where do I leave a complaint about someone violating the watering restrictions?

You can contact the City of Chilliwack Engineering Department at 604-793-2907 or [email protected] with the following details:

• Your contact information and name
• Address where violation occurred
• Time and date of violation
• Device utilized

Can we water garden, flower, shrubs or trees without a sprinkler?

Stage 1 restrictions allow watering anytime of the day using handheld containers, a hose with a spring loaded shutoff nozzle, a soaker hose or drip irrigation.

When should I sprinkle my lawn?

During the Stage 1 restrictions, the lawn sprinkling is permitted only twice a week. All even addresses are permitted to water on Wednesday and Saturday from 5 - 8am or 7 - 10 pm, and all odd addresses are permitted water on Thursday and Sunday from 5 - 8am or 7 - 10 pm. Apartments and townhouses follow complex addresses, not individual unit numbers. Additional restrictions apply during subsequent stages of watering restrictions.

I just installed new sod. Can I water it?

It is recommended to install new sod or seed during the spring or fall months in order to establish sufficient roots which will reduce the lawn dependency on surface watering for the summer. However, residents can apply for an Exemption Certificate to water new sod or seeded lawns during water restrictions.

An Exemption Certificate allows watering any day between 5 - 8 am or 7 - 10 pm during Stage 1 water restrictions. During Stage 2 water restrictions, watering new lawns is allowed only between 5 - 8 am. Watering outside of these times may result in revoking of the certificate and a fine.

Is it necessary to have a receipt for attaining a water exemption certificate?

A receipt for the new sod or seed remains a necessary document for applying the Water Restriction Exemption certificate. To apply for a Water Restriction Exemption Certificate, it is important to include the following documents and email [email protected]:

• Receipt (for new sod or seed)
• Photo of new sod/seeded lawn
• Name
• Address
• Phone Number

Can I wash my outdoor vehicle or boat?

The washing of an outdoor vehicle or boat is restricted, however, residents can use a handheld container or a hose equipped with a spring loaded shutoff nozzle for washing. Additionally, it is recommended to wash vehicles and boats over grass or gravels.

If a house owner is away during the assigned watering day, will they be allowed to water their lawn on the alternate days?

No, residents are only allowed to water on their permitted days. All even addresses are permitted to water on Wednesday and Saturday from 5 - 8am or 7 - 10 pm and all odd addresses are permitted water on Thursday and Sunday from 5 - 8am or 7 - 10 pm.

For more information on water conservation initiatives, visit our Water Conservation page.