Metro Vancouver’s annual regional Stage 1 water use restrictions go into effect Saturday, May 1 and will continue until October 15.
COQUITLAM, B.C., April 29, 2021 – Metro Vancouver’s annual regional Stage 1 water use restrictions go into effect Saturday, May 1 and will continue until Friday, Oct. 15.
As we enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather, let us be mindful about our activities that use drinking water such as gardening, washing cars and cleaning driveways. During the drier summer months, residents across Metro Vancouver use almost twice as much water than during the rest of the year. Everyone living in the Metro Vancouver region shares the responsibility of conserving our water to ensure that there is enough supply for our communities and for emergency uses like firefighting.
The City offers residents low-cost rain barrels that collect and store rainwater to reuse on gardens, lawns, and hanging baskets, as well as electronic water timers that can program sprinklers to follow the regional water-use restrictions. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/H2O for details.
Stage 1 Water Use Restrictions Starts May 1
All properties in Coquitlam are required to comply with the water use restrictions. Non-compliance of these regulations may result in a fine between $75 and $500.
Lawn Watering
Lawn watering by any method is only permitted as follows:
Residential Lawns
- EVEN numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday, from 4 to 9 a.m.
- ODD numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday, from 4 to 9 a.m.
Non-residential Lawns
- EVEN numbered addresses: Monday, from 1 to 6 a.m.
- ODD numbered addresses: Tuesday, from 1 to 6 a.m.
- ALL non-residential addresses can also water on Friday, from 4 to 9 a.m.
Other Landscaping
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 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 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.
Other Ways to Conserve Water At Home:
- A healthy lawn only needs approximately one hour of watering in the morning each week (on your scheduled day).
- Use a water timer to control the amount of water your lawn receives.
- Use water from a rain barrel on your lawns, gardens and hanging baskets.
- Clean driveways by sweeping with a broom instead of using water.
- Install a low-flow shower head and take shorter showers.
- Check your toilets, faucets and hoses for leaks.
- Turn off the tap when shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full.
Water Exemption Permits for New Lawns and Nematode Treatments
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 water exemption permits and water conservation tools, please visit www.coquitlam.ca/H2O, email waterconservation@coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-3500.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager Environment
Engineering & Public Works
604-927-3536
cselk@coquitlam.ca