COQUITLAM, B.C., April 16, 2026 – As of May 1, the City of Coquitlam will join the rest of Metro Vancouver in stage 1 water-use restrictions, lasting until October 15 to support regional water-conservation efforts. 

These seasonal restrictions are necessary to help ensure there’s enough water available for essential uses, such as drinking water and firefighting during the dry summer months, when rainfall is limited and water usage can double regular usage. 

As conditions change, restrictions could be escalated above stage 1 or extended for various reasons, including prolonged drought, excessive outdoor water use or infrastructure maintenance. 

Stage 1 Restrictions: One Weekly Morning Watering

In stage 1 watering restrictions, both residential and non-residential properties are limited to watering lawns one morning per week. Additional restrictions will be imposed in stages 2 through 4, if necessary.

• Residential lawn watering
  1. Saturdays for even-numbered addresses; Sundays for odd-numbered addresses 
  2. Automatic watering is permitted from 5 to 7 a.m. on assigned day
  3. Manual watering is permitted from 6 to 9 a.m. on assigned day
• Non-residential lawn watering
  1. Mondays for even-numbered addresses; Tuesdays for odd-numbered address 
  2. Automatic watering is permitted from 4 to 6 a.m. on assigned day
  3. Manual watering is permitted from 6 to 9 a.m. on assigned day

Watering outside permitted times could result in a $150 to $500 fine under Coquitlam’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) Bylaw No. 4838, 2018.

Help Conserve Water

There are many ways you can help reduce the amount of water used in your daily activities, such as gardening, washing cars and cleaning driveways. These actions helps conserve water during the summer, as well as year-round conservation.

• Consider planting drought-resistant groundcover, such as micro clover, as an alternative to sod, or plant sod early in the season to minimize demand of water. Check out Metro Vancouver's Grow Green Guide or ask your local garden centre about planting native and drought-tolerant species.
• Clean and fill pools and hot tubs in April before watering restrictions go into effect and avoid doing so in hot summer months, when water reserves are even lower. 
• To minimize evaporation and keep pools and tubs clear of debris, use a pool cover when not in use. This helps reduce cleaning frequency and the need to refill.
• Do annual maintenance and regularly checks for water leaks to save water and money, and to protect your property.
• Get to the roots – install a drip irrigation system and consider using tree-watering bags around young trees.
• A healthy lawn only needs watering one morning a week. Let your lawn turn gold in the summer. Grasses naturally go dormant during hot, dry summers and will turn green again in the fall when heavy dews and rain return.
• Mow your lawn about six centimetres high and leave grass clippings on the lawn to keep it cool and moist.
• Direct your sprinkler away from sidewalks and roads and towards plantings needing to be watered.
• Clean driveways by sweeping with a broom instead of using water.
• Wash your vehicle using a bucket of water and make sure the hose is fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Visit the City’s water conservation webpage coquitlam.ca/H20, to stay up-to-date on water restrictions and to get more information on water conservation measures.

Water Wise Bundle Sale

In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, the City is running a limited-time sustainability sale. Residents can purchase a rain barrel and programmable water timer bundle for just $100 plus tax (regularly $130). You can also get a free kitchen catcher with the purchase of a garden composter for $25. This sale runs from April 13 to 30, while supplies last. 

For the rain barrel and water timer, email WaterConservation@Coquitlam.ca and provide your name and contact info. For the composter, email EnvironmentalEducation@Coquitlam.ca or call 604-927-3636 and provide your name and contact info. Pick up will take place at the Engineering Customer Service Counter at City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way or at the Animal Shelter, 500 Mariner Way. 

More details can be found at coquitlam.ca/WaterWise.

Water Exemption Permits

Water Exemption Permits are available for those installing new lawns or applying nematode treatments on their property during Stage 1 of the water use restrictions. Residents should consider planting new lawns in early spring or fall instead of in summer when watering bans are more likely to happen. Visit coquitlam.ca/WaterPermit for information and for online applications.

Conservation for Future Generations

Coquitlam’s water conservation program has been in effect since 1993. It delivers public outreach and education, including updates on region-wide restrictions. These initiatives are a cost-effective way to manage our water demand and align with the City’s Environmental Sustainability Plan and Enhanced Water Conservation Strategy, which are focused on conserving and protecting Coquitlam’s drinking water. Tighter restrictions help the City work towards a target of no net increase in average summertime consumption over the next 10 years while also recognizing and embracing positive population growth.

Media contact
Julie Kanya
 Environmental Education and Enforcement Manager
 604-927-3500
 epw@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.