Water Metering
On December 2, 2024, Coquitlam updated the Water Distribution Bylaw to require water meters with all building permit applications submitted after January 1, 2025.
While metering has always been required for industrial, commercial, and institutional properties, this update extends the water-metering requirement to new residential properties (single family and multi-family).
Building permit applications previously submitted or under construction are not required to install a meter.
Documents and Links
- Why are meters required?
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Residential water metering is common practice for water utilities worldwide, and municipalities across the Lower Mainland are transitioning from flat rates to metering. Residential metering improves the alignment between how much water each person uses, and how much they pay for their water and sewer services. This also provides a financial incentive for people to conserve water and help protect our drinking water supply.
With a meter, people who conserve water could pay less each year for their water and sewer utility bills, relative to the existing flat rates.
- Who needs to install a meter?
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Every property submitting a building permit application after January 1, 2025 will be required to install a water meter as a condition of building permit approval. Minor renovations worth less than $150,000 will be exempted from the water meter installation requirement.
Existing residential properties without any building permits planned are not required to install a water meter. However, later in 2025, additional details will be prepared and shared for any existing residential customers who might want to choose to have a meter.
- What kind of meter needs to be installed? Where would a meter be installed? How many meters are required?
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An approved list of meters is available within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (PDF).
Meters are typically installed at the property line, with one meter per water service.
Individual units in a multi-family building do not need to be metered, as there will only be one meter installed at the property line.
- Who installs the meter?
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A water meter can be installed by City of Coquitlam crews, or by a qualified contractor subject to the City’s requirements and standards.
- How much does it cost to install a water meter?
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If it is preferred for Coquitlam crews to install the meter, the cost is included with Schedule F of Coquitlam’s Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF). The 2025 rates are as follows, and additional fees would apply if the water service also needs to be installed or replaced:
- 19mm meter = $2,162
- 25mm meter = $2,162
- 38mm meter = $3,550
- 50mm meter = $3,927
Note: larger meters require specific quotes
Alternatively, you can request a quote from a qualified plumber to install a meter subject to Coquitlam’s requirements and standards. Meter sizing guidelines are included within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (Section 9) (PDF).
- Where can I buy an approved meter?
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Approved water meters can be purchased through a plumbing supply company (for example: Fred Surridge, Flow Systems, and Gibsons).