Mandatory watering restrictions are in effect for CRD Electoral Areas.
Updated: May 27, 2026 - 10:56am
In summer months, water use in the Greater Victoria area increases by 44%, mostly due to non-essential outdoor uses like lawn and garden watering. The fall and winter rains replenish the Sooke Lake Reservoir and must last the entire year for drinking water, watershed fire suppression, droughts and support for vital habitats for many endangered species.
Outside Greater Victoria, small water systems located on the Southern Gulf Islands and within the Juan de Fuca electoral area are vulnerable to drought conditions. All residents and visitors are encouraged to follow our tips for using water wisely to help reduce the impact of hot, dry summers on community water supplies.
Water conservation bylaws are in effect May 1 – September 30, unless otherwise authorized by the General Manager of Infrastructure & Water Services. Please refer to the information below for bylaw information related to your water system.
Electoral Area Local Water Systems (Southern Gulf Islands, Port Renfrew & Juan de Fuca)
The Electoral Areas Water Conservation Bylaw applies to any customers of Capital Regional District (CRD) water systems operated in the electoral areas. For up to date water restriction stages, please refer to the CRD service alert. Additionally, the CRD posts signage in your community to help you stay informed.
Limit lawn watering to one day per week. Watering is only permitted between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm.
Limit watering of trees, shrubs and vegetables with a sprinkler to one day a week between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm
Only wash vehicles or boats using a container or hose with a shut-off valve
NOTE: Hand watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and food gardens with a container, a hose with a shut-off valve or by micro/drip irrigation is permitted any day and time.
Limit lawn watering to one day every two weeks. Watering is only permitted between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm
Limit watering of trees, shrubs and vegetables with a sprinkler to one day a week between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm.
Only wash vehicles or boats at a commercial car wash
NOTE: Hand watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and food gardens with a container, a hose with a shut-off valve or by micro/drip irrigation is permitted any day and time.
The following use of water is prohibited during Stage 2:
Washing of sidewalks, driveways, exterior windows and building surfaces (expect for the application of paving or painting or if required by law to comply with health and safety regulations)
Filling of or operation of an ornamental fountain that uses CRD water
Hand watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and food gardens with a container, a hose with a shut-off valve or by micro/drip irrigation one day per week between the hours of 4 -10 am only
The following use of water is prohibited during Stage 3:
Watering lawns
Sprinkler watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and food gardens (soaker hoses are considered a sprinkler)
Washing vehicles or boats
Washing of sidewalks, driveways, exterior windows and building surfaces
Filling ornamental fountains, swimming pools, hot tubs and garden ponds
The following use of water is prohibited during Stage 4
ALL outdoor water use
Indoor water use is restricted to drinking, food preparation and sanitation purposes only
Regional Water Supply System (Greater Victoria)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) Water Conservation Bylaw applies to any customers of the Regional Water Supply System receiving drinking water from the Sooke Lake Reservoir in the Greater Victoria area including residential, commercial, institutional and municipal properties.
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
