Water Use Restrictions 

During the summer our water use can double mainly due to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens, and washing cars and outdoor surfaces. The region-wide water use restrictions are a cost-effective way to reduce summer water demand and ensure a sufficient supply for essential services such as firefighting and maintaining adequate water pressure for homes, schools and businesses. 

These water use restrictions help Coquitlam adapt to climate change and defer the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. Learn more about our commitment towards environmental resiliency and sustainability in the Environmental Sustainability Plan. Find out how our community manages with climate change impacts in the Climate Adaptation Strategic Plan.

From Reservoir to Tap

Enjoy this guided story that shows the journey water takes, and all the steps and people involved to deliver safe and reliable water to our residents and businesses. 

Time Frame and Stage 

  • Stage 2 water use restrictions  have been in effect since Friday, August 4. 
  • Please see the Stage 2 Restrictions tab below for details. 

Region-wide water use restrictions are in effect from May 1 through October 15 every year.  By default, Stage 1 Restrictions are activated starting on May 1. Watering that is not compliant to the water use restrictions could result in a $150 to $500 fine under the Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw No. 4838, 2018 (PDF).

  • Fines during stage 2 are $250 ($200 if paid within 14 days).

Can I Water Today?

Use this handy search tool provided by Metro Vancouver to check if you can water today. 

Graphic: stage 2 watering restrictions in effect August 4
  1. Stage 2 Restrictions
  2. Stage 3 Restrictions
  3. Stage 4 Restrictions

Automatic Watering – applying water in a way that does not need human intervention or supervision

Manual Watering – applying water in a way that needs to be manually operated and/or held

Residential and Non-residential - All Addresses

Lawn Watering

  • Lawn watering is prohibited
  • Active water exemption permits remain in effect until they expire
  • New water exemption permits will not be issued. 

Residential Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters - All Addresses

  • 5 – 9 a.m. on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
  • Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
  • Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
  • No restrictions on plants grown for food

Non-residential Addresses Gardens, Shrubs, Trees and Planters - All Addresses

  • 4 – 9 a.m. on any day using hose-fed sprinkler systems and irrigation systems
  • Anytime, any day using drip irrigation and soaker hose systems
  • Anytime, any day when hand watering (e.g. hose with shut-off nozzle, water container)
  • No restrictions on plants grown for food

Residential Car and Boat Washing

Hose must be equipped with a shut-off nozzle.

Outdoor Surfaces and Power Washing

Washing impermeable surfaces is not allowed, except for these reasons:

  • A health or safety reason
  • Preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment
  • Aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation

Consider sweeping instead of using water to wash outdoor surfaces.

Decorative Water Features, Pools & Hot Tubs

Topping up or filling of fountains and decorative water features is not permitted in Stage 2; however,  the filling and topping up of swimming pools/hot tubs is still allowed during stage 2. 

Tip: Every year, residents should consider filling up pools and hot tubs before the restrictions start on May 1. Cover them when they are not used to prevent evaporation and to keep it clean.

Drinking Water Conservation Plan

For a full list of water use restrictions  for homes, businesses, governments and schools, refer to  Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary.

  1. Fire-risk Rating

    Fire Risk Rating Gauge. Current level is moderate.It's always important to keep an eye on and be aware of the local fire-risk rating as there are a number of changes and impacts to residents when it increases such as barbeque bans in our parks or the relaxation of watering restrictions in areas adjacent to heavily wooded/forested areas such as Mundy Park the northern forested boundary of the city.

    The current fire risk is “MODERATE”

When the fire risk rating is in the “Extreme” range for three or more consecutive days, certain residential and business properties identified as extreme risk located immediately adjacent to Mundy Park and along the northern forested boundary of the City are eligible for a relaxation of summertime watering restrictions. 

Please visit our summer fire safety webpage for fire safety tips and water-restriction relaxation details including an Exempt Properties List that is updated every year. Find out how to keep your home safe from wildland fires by visiting our  webpage on Wildland/Urban Interface Areas.