The Metro Vancouver Regional District has announced the implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions effective June 8 due to a combination of a major water supply pipe being offline for repairs and significantly low snowpack levels. Currently, the snowpack is less than 15% of the historical average for this time of year, and water usage in May 2026 was higher than in May 2025. The regional district aims to keep daily water use below 1.4 billion litres to maintain adequate water pressure for emergency services during the repairs of the First Narrows Crossing pipe, which has been offline since last fall for construction of the new Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. Under the new restrictions, filling pools, hot tubs, and fountains is prohibited, and vehicle washing is limited to safety-related spot-cleaning. Hand watering of trees, shrubs, and flowers is allowed, but sprinklers and soaker hoses are banned. Commercial properties will also be subject to these restrictions, enforced through local bylaws.