Bowen Island Municipality will move directly to Stage 2 water use restrictions effective May 1, 2026, under the Municipality’s newly adopted Water Conservation Bylaw. Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place unless amended to a higher or lower stage based on water supply conditions.
The Water Conservation Bylaw, adopted by Council on March 18, 2026, strengthens the Municipality’s ability to manage seasonal demand on Bowen Island’s limited supply of municipally treated drinking water. The bylaw formalizes water conservation practices that have been in place in previous years and establishes enforceable Water Restriction Stages to reduce avoidable water waste and support long‑term water sustainability.
Due to dry conditions and increased water demand, and consistent with the approach being taken by Metro Vancouver, the Municipality is skipping Stage 1 this year and implementing Stage 2 restrictions at the start of the seasonal conservation period. These measures are intended to help ensure an adequate and reliable supply of drinking water as Bowen Island enters the warmer, drier months.
Stage 2 restrictions apply to municipal water systems; however, all water users on Bowen Island are strongly encouraged to follow Stage 2 conservation measures, regardless of water source. Bowen Island shares a limited and interconnected groundwater and surface water supply, and collective conservation efforts are essential to protect water availability for essential uses such as drinking, cooking, sanitation, and fire suppression, particularly during the dry summer months.
The Water Conservation Bylaw also includes provisions to address unnecessary water loss, including excessive watering, non‑compliance with restriction stages, and water waste caused by unrepaired leaks or irrigation systems. During peak‑use months, the Municipality will continue to share water conservation information to help residents monitor and reduce household water use.
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with allowable and prohibited activities under Stage 2 water use restrictions and to take steps such as adjusting irrigation practices, repairing leaks promptly, and being mindful of overall consumption.
Questions? Contact Public Works at 604-947-4255 ext. 4 or email water@bimbc.ca.