The Capital Regional District has implemented mandatory water restrictions for its electoral areas, effective May 13, 2026. The new rules apply to properties connected to regional water systems in the Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island, and Southern Gulf Islands areas.
The restrictions, governed by Bylaw 4492, are in place to help manage water supplies during the warmer months. Depending on the specific water system, residents must follow different levels of conservation, with penalties for non-compliance ranging from $100 to $10,000 per offence.
The Cedars of Tuam water system is currently under Stage 3 restrictions. Under this stage, all lawn watering is prohibited. Residents may only hand water trees, shrubs, flowers, and food gardens one day per week between 4:00 am and 10:00 am, using a container, a hose equipped with a shut-off valve, or micro-drip irrigation.
Other areas are under Stage 2 or Stage 1 restrictions. Systems under Stage 2, which include Cedar Lane, Lyall Harbour-Boot Cove, and Skana, allow for lawn watering once every two weeks and restrict vehicle washing to commercial car washes only. Eight systems are under Stage 1, including Beddis, Fulford, Highland-Fernwood, Magic Lake Estates, Port Renfrew, Sticks Allison, Surfside Park Estates, and Wilderness Mountain.
These rules apply only to water provided by the regional district. Residents using private wells, private irrigation systems, or water on federal and First Nation lands are not subject to these requirements. Furthermore, as noted in the Electoral Area Water Conservation Bylaw FAQs, residents may use alternative water sources, such as captured rainwater or well water, to tend to their gardens.
For those living in strata complexes, strata corporations cannot fine residents for having brown or dormant lawns while these regional restrictions are in effect, as strata bylaws that conflict with public water conservation bylaws are unenforceable under the BC Strata Property Act. Residents are encouraged to check the official website for a full list of restrictions specific to their local water system.
