Water Exemption Permits
As of May 1, all of Metro Vancouver has now moved directly to Stage 2 water restrictions across the region.
All residential and non-residential lawn watering is now banned. Learn more about the different stages over on our Water Restrictions page or see Metro Vancouver's website for more specific details.
No lawn watering permits will be issued during Stage 2 restrictions.
Water Exemption Permits
The City of Coquitlam approved its Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) Bylaw to align with Metro Vancouver’s revised regional watering restrictions that went into effect in May 2022.
The City offers two types of water exemption permits, allowing residents to water outside of the watering restrictions, however, policies still exist in each case.
If you are growing a new lawn by seed or sod during the region-wide water use restrictions (May 1 - October 15), you can request a Water Exemption Permit from the City. Consider planting sod early in the season to minimize demand of water. Overseeding of existing lawns do not require a permit and can be sufficiently watered within the water use restrictions.
Please note: Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions.
Permit Policies
- Permits are valid for three weeks (21 days) from the permit issue date and only apply to the newly lawn area that has not yet established.
- Permits allow watering of new lawn area between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. any day within the validity period.
- Permits cost $40.05 for single-family properties and individual townhouse units, and $163.80 for multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
- Permits can be extended one time for the same cost if the new lawn has not fully established. Extensions are subject to review by Water Conservation staff and such extension shall end on or before 42 days from the date of the issue of the initial Permit.
- Permits must be displayed at the front of the property and be visible from the curb and/or sidewalk (e.g. on the front window or door).
- Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions. Active permits are allowed to continue during Stage 2 of the water use restrictions until they expire. No new permits will be issued in Stage 2. All permits will be cancelled upon the activation of Stage 3 restrictions.
Nematodes are microscopic organisms that can control European Chafer beetles and are most effective when applied around late July and mid-August.
Residents can apply for a Water Exemption Permit from the City to sufficiently water their treated lawns outside of the water use restrictions. Please review the updated policies below.
Please refer to our European Chafer Beetle Information to learn about managing European Chafer beetle infestations on your lawn.
Permit Policies
- Permits are valid for up to 21 days from the permit issue date and only apply to the lawn area treated with nematodes. Permit lengths are determined by the manufacturers' recommended watering requirements.
- Permits allow watering of the treated lawn area between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. any day within the validity period.
- Permits are free of charge and can be renewed one time if a second nematode treatment is applied. A renewal shall end on or before 42 days from the date of the issue of the initial Permit.
- To apply, applicants must show proof of nematode purchase for each treatment (e.g. receipt for a nematode product or invoice for a nematode treatment service).
- Permits must be displayed at the front of the property and visible from the curb and/or sidewalk (e.g. on the front window or door).
- Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions. Active permits are allowed to continue during Stage 2 of the water use restrictions until they expire. No new permits will be issued in Stage 2. All permits will be cancelled upon the activation of Stage 3 restrictions.