Stage 1 Water Conservation Regulations in Effect May 1, 2026

Each year, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) brings in Stage 1 water conservation regulations on May 1. With a low snowpack and hot weather forecasted through the spring and summer, water regulations are more important that ever to secure water supply into late summer and early fall.

The regulations outlined below apply to all SCRD water customers on the Sunshine Coast. If you live in the Town of Gibsons, please visit www.gibsons.ca for water conservation regulations in that water service area.

Regulations define the types of watering and separate plants into three categories: lawns; trees, shrubs, and flowers; and food producing plants. Watering schedules can vary in different water systems across the region.

Stage 1 Watering Schedule

Watering Lawns

Sprinklers, soaker hoses or micro spray can be used to water lawns according to the Stage 1 schedule which is:

• For even numbered addresses, lawn sprinkling is allowed Thursday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
• For odd numbered addresses, lawn sprinkling is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs, flowers and food producing plants

Sprinklers, soaker hoses or micro spray can be used to water trees, shrubs, flowers and food producing plants and trees according to the Stage 1 schedule:

• For even numbered addresses, sprinkling is allowed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from
• 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• For odd numbered addresses, sprinkling is allowed on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

During Stage 1 water conservation regulations, handheld hoses with nozzles, handheld containers, or drip-irrigation can be used anytime for watering lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers or food producing plants and trees.

Rain sensors are required on all irrigation systems to prevent watering in the rain.

Other uses of water

Pressure washing sidewalks and driveways, windows or exterior building surfaces is permitted only during Stage 1.

“Snowpack is an important indicator for our summer water supply, but it’s only one piece of the picture,” says Remko Rosenboom, General Manager, Infrastructure Services. “While coastal snowpack is below normal in parts of southern BC, the timing of any move to Stage 2 water conservation regulations will depend on spring weather, rainfall, and seasonal forecasts. With warmer conditions expected and uncertain precipitation, we’re closely monitoring conditions and using all available tools to guide our decisions.”

Visit www.scrd.ca/water-regulations for further details.

A reminder that staff do not take bylaw complaints by phone. Please submit bylaw complaints using the online form at www.scrd.ca/bylaw-complaint-form. Please note that anonymous or third-party complaints will not be accepted.