COQUITLAM, B.C., Jan. 25, 2023 – Have you noticed that your tap water in Coquitlam isn’t as clear as it usually is? Don’t worry – it’s likely the result of water main flushing, and it’s temporary and easy to fix.
Coquitlam flushes a third of its water mains from fall to spring each year on a rotating basis to maintain good water quality. Residents can now easily find out when flushing is taking place in their neighbourhood by viewing the new online map at www.coquitlam.ca/watermain, which tracks the current, upcoming and completed flushing activity throughout the community.
Fixing Cloudy Tap Water
Water main flushing involves moving large volumes of water through distribution pipes to clean out sediment and mineral buildup.
This work may cause changes in water pressure and discolouration or sediment in the tap water for a short time.
The water is still safe to drink, but you can clear up cloudy water by running the cold-water tap, ideally in the bathtub to avoid clogging up faucet screens. Turn the cold water on for a few minutes until it runs clear, and if it is still cloudy, try again in half an hour.
Do not run the hot water until the cold water has cleared to keep cloudy water out of the hot water tank.
Delivering High-quality Drinking Water
Water main flushing is a common maintenance practice for water utilities, conducted to maintain clean drinking water and protect the significant public investment in water infrastructure.
Flushing is one of the many activities the City uses to maintain its high standard of drinking water, including rigorous testing and monitoring, proactive maintenance and innovative problem solving.
Thanks to this year-round work, Coquitlam residents have access to excellent drinking water right from the tap. Residents can view the City’s latest water-quality report at www.coquitlam.ca/water, along with a map showing drinking water fountains in Coquitlam and around Metro Vancouver.
The City has also developed an interactive Story Map to show how safe, clean and reliable drinking water gets from the watershed to homes in our community.
Improving Service through Technology
The new GIS water main flushing map is part of the City’s ongoing work to use technology to improve service-delivery and efficiency, improve access to information, and save time and money.
The City also uses automated systems to regularly flush out dead-end water mains to prevent chlorine buildup, and to monitor the water quality in streams and from construction sites.
Other technology-based service improvements include the comprehensive CoquitlamConnect app, digital parking lot signs showing available spots, digital tools for more efficient housing-application processing, and free Wi-Fi in 33 public locations around the community.
More information about these and other projects delivered through the City’s Technology Roadmap can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/smart.
Stay Up to Date on City Projects and Initiatives
Stay up to date about City news and service changes by:
Media Contact
Jonathan Helmus
Director, Utilities
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca