Metro Vancouver is set to introduce Stage 3 water restrictions beginning June 8 as part of efforts to manage regional water supply under increasingly dry and warm conditions.

Officials say the decision is driven by a combination of factors, including unusually low snowpack levels—reported to be less than 15 per cent of the historical average—alongside rising water demand expected to increase by more than 50 per cent during periods of warm weather.

Construction work on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is also affecting system capacity and contributing to the need for tighter conservation measures.Under Stage 3 restrictions, all lawn watering is prohibited across the region.

However, residents will still be permitted to water trees, shrubs, and flowers using water-efficient methods such as drip irrigation, hose systems with spring-loaded nozzles, or watering containers.Vegetable gardens remain exempt and may be watered at any time.

Other restrictions include prohibitions on filling or topping up pools, hot tubs, and decorative water features unless under specific permit conditions.

Washing vehicles and boats at home is also largely restricted, with limited allowances for safety-related cleaning, while surface washing such as driveways and sidewalks is prohibited except in rare circumstances.

Metro Vancouver has indicated that the First Narrows Crossing is expected to return to service by the end of July, at which point water conditions will be reassessed.If supply levels are sufficient, Stage 3 restrictions could be lifted.The region continues to target daily water use below 1.4 billion litres to maintain system stability and ensure adequate pressure for essential services such as firefighting during peak demand periods.