Metro Vancouver’s regional Stage 1 water use restrictions went into effect May 1 and will continue until Oct. 15.
COQUITLAM, BC, May 15, 2020 – Metro Vancouver’s regional Stage 1 water use restrictions went into effect May 1 and will continue until Oct. 15.
As we welcome warm weather allowing people to get outside and do some gardening, let us be mindful that we share our drinking water supply with all residents in the Metro Vancouver region.
In addition to observing the water use restrictions, residents are encouraged to consider other water conservation tools, such as purchasing a rain barrel from the City to collect and store rainwater to reuse on your garden, lawn, or hanging baskets.
Water Restrictions Support Drinking Water Supply and Fire Response
The City of Coquitlam supports the regional water restrictions to help ensure residents have an adequate supply of water for critical uses such as drinking and firefighting during the dry summer months when water usage almost doubles.
As such, in Stage 1, lawn watering is only permitted as follows:
Residential Lawns
- EVEN numbered addresses: Wednesday & Saturday, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- ODD numbered addresses: Thursday & Sunday, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Non-residential Lawns
- EVEN numbered addresses: Monday, from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- ODD numbered addresses: Tuesday, from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- ALL non-residential addresses can also water on Friday, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Gardens, shrubs, trees and planters can be watered under the following restrictions:
Residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters
- No restrictions on edible plants grown for food.
- Automatic watering (sprinkler and irrigation) systems allowed 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., any day.
- Hand watering (hose with automatic shut-off, water container), soaker hose and drip irrigation allowed any day, any time.
Non-residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters
- No restrictions on edible plants grown for food.
- Automatic watering (sprinkler and irrigation) systems allowed 1 a.m. to 9 a.m., any day.
- Hand watering (hose with automatic shut-off, water container), soaker hose and drip irrigation allowed any day, any time.
Water Exemption Permits
All properties in Coquitlam are required to comply with watering restrictions. Property owners found in violation of these regulations will receive a fine between $75 and $500.
Residents can request Water Exemption Permits from the City for newly planted lawns or for nematode treatments for European Chafer beetle control.
For more information about watering restrictions, including requesting exemption permits and tips on how to conserve water plus details on how to purchase a rain barrel, please visit www.coquitlam.ca/H2O or call 604-927-3500.