Maple Washing Is Back: Stage 2 Water Restrictions Begin July 16
Good news for homeowners, property managers and businesses waiting to clean up the outside of their properties: Maple Washing can get back to regular exterior cleaning work beginning July 16, 2026.
Metro Vancouver has announced that the region will move from Stage 3 back to Stage 2 water restrictions. The change follows the return of the First Narrows Crossing to service after critical infrastructure work connected to the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel. With regional water pressure levels returning to normal, some outdoor washing activities can resume.
There is one important detail to keep in mind. Stage 3 restrictions remain in effect through July 15. Regular aesthetic exterior washing can resume beginning July 16.
What Changes Under Stage 2 Water Restrictions?
Stage 2 is still a water conservation measure, but it is less restrictive than Stage 3. Under Stage 2 rules, aesthetic cleaning of driveways, sidewalks and other hard exterior surfaces is permitted when the work is completed by a hired commercial cleaning operation.
That means Maple Washing can once again provide regular exterior cleaning for homes, businesses and strata properties throughout Maple Ridge and the surrounding Lower Mainland.
It does not mean every outdoor water restriction has disappeared. Lawn watering remains prohibited, and homeowners are not permitted to use personal pressure washers or garden hoses to wash hard surfaces simply for appearance. The commercial cleaning allowance is what makes professional service possible while the region continues to conserve drinking water.
Homeowners and property managers can review the current rules through the City of Maple Ridge watering regulations page or Metro Vancouver’s official water restrictions page.
For a more detailed explanation, you can also read our guide to professional exterior cleaning during Stage 2 water restrictions.
Exterior Cleaning Services Can Resume
The move back to Stage 2 allows Maple Washing to restart exterior cleaning jobs that had to be postponed or limited under Stage 3.
Professional power washing can remove built-up dirt, algae, mildew and grime from concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, stairs and walkways. These areas can become slippery, stained and generally rough-looking after months of Lower Mainland rain, shade and organic buildup.
For siding and more delicate materials, brush washing provides a gentler option. Instead of blasting every surface with high pressure, the cleaning method can be adjusted to suit the material and condition of the property.
That is especially important for vinyl siding, painted surfaces, trim and areas where careless pressure could force water where it should not go.
Professional window washing can also help finish the job by clearing away dust, water spotting, cobwebs and seasonal grime from exterior glass and frames.
Maple Washing works with residential, commercial and strata properties, so the move to Stage 2 is welcome news for individual homeowners and property managers waiting to schedule larger maintenance projects.
Why Hire a Professional During Stage 2?
Stage 2 is not a free-for-all. Water conservation still matters, and the rules create a clear difference between professional commercial cleaning and do-it-yourself aesthetic washing.
Hiring Maple Washing removes the guesswork. Our team understands the restrictions, uses commercial equipment and selects the cleaning method based on the surface being treated.
Concrete, siding, wood, painted trim and glass should not all be cleaned the same way. Too much pressure can damage softer materials, strip finishes, leave marks or force water behind siding. Sometimes more pressure is not the answer. Sometimes it is just a faster way to make a bigger problem.
Professional equipment also allows the job to be completed in an organized and efficient way. The goal is not to stand around spraying water until something looks better. It is to use the right pressure, tools and process to clean the surface without unnecessary waste.
Customers can take care of overdue exterior maintenance while leaving the work to a commercial company that operates within the Stage 2 rules.
A Busy Restart Is Expected
The move to Stage 3 on June 8 forced many regular exterior cleaning projects to be delayed. As a result, homeowners, businesses and strata properties throughout the region are waiting to rebook work.
Once Stage 2 takes effect on July 16, demand is expected to pick up quickly. Properties that were already due for summer cleaning have had several additional weeks for dirt, algae and grime to settle in.
Driveways have not magically cleaned themselves in the meantime. Rude, honestly.
Customers who had work postponed should contact Maple Washing to arrange a new date. Anyone planning a summer exterior cleaning project should also consider booking early, especially for larger commercial or strata jobs.
Stage 2 Does Not Mean Water Conservation Is Over
Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan uses different restriction stages to manage demand and protect the regional drinking water supply.
Moving back to Stage 2 is a positive step, but residents and businesses still need to follow the remaining restrictions.
Lawn watering continues to be prohibited. Other rules remain in place for landscaping, decorative water features, pools, vehicle washing and personal surface cleaning. Restrictions can also change again if regional conditions require it.
Maple Washing will continue to follow current municipal and regional rules while providing professional exterior cleaning services where permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Maple Washing resume exterior cleaning immediately?
Stage 3 water restrictions remain in effect through July 15, 2026. Maple Washing can resume regular aesthetic exterior cleaning beginning July 16 when Metro Vancouver officially moves back to Stage 2. Estimates and future appointments can be booked before the change takes effect.
Can I pressure wash my own driveway during Stage 2?
Routine aesthetic cleaning of driveways, sidewalks and similar hard surfaces is not permitted using a personal pressure washer or garden hose. Under Stage 2, aesthetic surface cleaning is permitted when performed by a hired commercial cleaning operation such as Maple Washing.
Limited personal cleaning may still be allowed for health and safety reasons or to prepare a surface for painting or another treatment. Check the current municipal rules before beginning any work.
Are all outdoor water restrictions ending on July 16?
No. The region is moving from Stage 3 to Stage 2, not removing water restrictions completely. Lawn watering remains prohibited, and rules continue to apply to landscaping, pools, water features, vehicle washing and personal surface cleaning. Residents should continue checking the City of Maple Ridge and Metro Vancouver websites for current information.
Book Your Exterior Cleaning
Beginning July 16, Maple Washing is ready to resume regular exterior cleaning across Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody and Abbotsford.
Services are available for homes, commercial buildings and strata properties, including power washing, brush washing, window washing and other exterior maintenance work.
Request a free estimate online or call Maple Washing at 604-477-2117 to discuss your property and schedule service.
The restrictions may not be completely gone, but the good news is simple: the professional cleaning crews can get back to work.