Flood Protection and Catch Basins

Coquitlam has over 550 kilometres of storm mains throughout the City collecting stormwater runoff. In order to protect residents and businesses from potential flooding there are catch basins, ditches and rainwater source controls in place to collect rain runoff. To ensure the drainage system is functioning and operating properly the City does preventative maintenance. For example, they perform catch basin cleaning, culvert inlet and outlet clearing, flood patrol and flushing/vacuuming of storm mains and services.

What You Can Do

Residents and homeowners can help prevent flooding by not only ensuring their foundation drainage pipes work properly, but by clearing debris from catch basins and ditches fronting their property.

Adopt-a-Catch Basin

Catch basins are important — they help keep roads safe and properties dry by collecting rainwater runoff. Catch basins also lead to sensitive local streams and rivers.

We need your help to keep them clear!

Choose a catch basin (or more!) close to where you live or work.

  • Adopt and name your catch basin.
  • Clean the catch basin regularly.
  • Submit status updates on your catch basin.

Open to individuals, groups or businesses, the Adopt-a-Catch Basin program offers members of the public a “grate” way to help protect the environment and the safety of their local streets and neighbourhood. Volunteers may adopt more than one catch basin and are encouraged to assign them fun, creative names - check out everything here.

Catch Basins

Catch basins allow rainwater runoff to be collected and prevent road and property flooding. You may notice some catch basins marked with a yellow fish - this fish is a reminder that all catch basins eventually lead to creeks, streams and environmentally-sensitive water bodies. Therefore, you can help protect the environment and fish habitat by being mindful of the following:

  • Avoid the use of pesticides and fertilizers - these cause excessive vegetation growth in streams which chokes out the oxygen needed for fish and aquatic life to survive.
  • Dispose of household hazardous wastes like oil, paint and toxic chemicals at proper disposal facilities.
  • Don’t empty hot tubs or pools into the storm sewer system. Chlorine and pool chemicals are lethal to fish.
  • Limit the areas of concrete, paving and other hard surfaces on your property. Rain that soaks into the ground helps keep streams flowing during periods of low rainfall.
  • Wash cars on your lawn to prevent soap and other detergents from entering catch basins and polluting streams.

Visit our interactive map of the City’s drainage network, where you can see if there are any catch basins or drainage infrastructure around your property.

Residential Flood Prevention

Flooding can happen when extremely heavy rainfalls occur and the runoff exceeds the capacity of the drainage system. Flooding can also happen when a drain pipe becomes blocked by tree roots or debris.

Tips

Here are some steps you can take to avoid flooding around your home.

  • Clear ditches and culverts - If you have an open ditch along your property, check to see that it is clear. Common items such as toys, balls, and milk jugs can often get lodged in the culverts and cause water to back up.
  • Clear gutters and catch basins - Keep catch basins and gutters clear of leaves and debris. Rake up leaves in the fall to prevent overland flooding caused by plugged drains. Find the catch basin nearest your home or business and check periodically that it is clean so the water can drain properly.
  • Clean your foundation drains and sumps - These drains collect water from your house and property and direct it to the City storm sewer. The pipes can become blocked by leaves, dirt, roots or debris and should be cleaned out periodically or, in some cases, replaced.
  • Repair broken pipe or damaged foundation drains and sub drains - Broken or damaged pipe can cause blockages and flooding of your home. Check that your home drainage system is working properly.