On Monday, Council amended Surrey’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan bylaw to provide greater flexibility in implementing water conservation measures while continuing to balance community needs and conditions. The updates maintain alignment with the Greater Vancouver Water District’s regional water conservation framework, while allowing the City to better respond to local circumstances during periods of high-water demand.  

  “This year, Stage 2 water restrictions were implemented earlier than usual across the region, and we heard from residents and business owners about the importance of flexibility in balancing water conservation with public activities during the early summer,” Mayor Brenda Locke said. “This update ensures we can continue to manage water responsibly while taking local circumstances into account.” 

 Key bylaw updates include: 

• Expanding residential lawn -watering hours under Stage 1 from 5a.m. to 7a.m. to 5a.m. to 8a.m.
• Allowing special sprinkling permits during Stage 2, with extensions permitted in Stage 3 
• Allowing filling and topping up of small residential pools (≤5,000 litres) during Stage 3  
• Maintaining access to cooling measures, including spray parks, misting stations, and municipal pools at all stages 
• Clarifying exceptions for municipal operations and construction activity during Stages 1,2, 3 

The updated bylaw clarifies that the City has the authority to activate water restriction stages to reflect local conditions. 

 The City will continue to keep residents and businesses informed about watering restrictions. If Surrey’s restrictions differ from regional measures, the City will share additional updates, so people know what rules apply.  

 Residents and businesses found in violation of the restrictions will receive warnings. Repeat or serious offenders will be issued fines in accordance with established bylaw procedures to ensure water is preserved for essential uses, including firefighting.