COQUITLAM, B.C., April 20, 2022 – Metro Vancouver’s revised regional Stage 1 water use restrictions go into effect Sunday, May 1. Residential and business owners will notice changes from past years.
One Day of Watering Per Week Under Stage 1
Stage 1 Watering Restrictions, which run from May 1 to Oct. 15, will be limited to one day per week for both residential and non-residential properties.
- Residential lawn watering will be permitted from 5 to 9 a.m. on Saturdays for even-numbered addresses and Sundays for odd-numbered address.
- Permitted times for non-residential premises will be 4 to 9 a.m. on Mondays for even-numbered addresses and Tuesdays for odd-numbered addresses.
All permitted watering times are further limited by the type of watering with two hours for automatic watering and three hours for manual watering. Automatic lawn watering is permitted from 5 to 7 a.m. for residential addresses and 4 to 6 a.m. for non-residential addresses. Manual lawn watering is allowed at both residential and non-residential premises from 6 to 9 a.m.
Watering of edible plants continue to be exempt from regulations.
Stage 2 Changes
There are also changes to Stage 2 restrictions, which are activated by Metro Vancouver who monitors the drawdown of our regional water supply. The new Stage 2 restrictions prohibit all lawn watering, whether residential or non-residential.
Watering that is not compliant to Stages 1 to 4 water-use restrictions could result in a $150 to $500 fine under Coquitlam’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) Bylaw No. 4838, 2018.
Water Exemption Permits
Additional changes are made to the water exemption permits for nematode treatments. The nematode permits are now aligned with water-exemption permits for new lawns, which allow watering between 4 and 9 a.m., any day.
As well, no new water-exemption permits (which are allowed during Stage 1) will be issued in Stage 2 for new lawns or nematode treatments, although existing permits will remain active. Upon the activation of Stage 3, all active permits will be cancelled immediately.
Visit coquitlam.ca/waterpermit for information and for online applications.
Many Ways to Conserve Water
There are many of our daily activities such as gardening, washing cars and cleaning driveways, that use drinking water, and we have numerous ways to reduce water waste.
The City offers residents low-cost rain barrels ($65 for 208 litre) that collect and store rainwater to reuse on gardens, lawns and hanging baskets, as well as programmable, electronic water timers ($55).
Water Conservation Tips
- An hour a week of watering or rain is all you need for a healthy lawn.
- Let your lawn turn gold in the summer. Grasses naturally go dormant during the hot, dry summer and will turn green again in the fall when heavy dews and rain return.
- Mow your lawn about 6 cm high and leave the grass clippings on the lawn to keep it cool and moist.
- Check out Metro Vancouver's Grow Green Guide or ask a local garden centre about planting native and drought-tolerant species.
- Consider sweeping instead of using water to wash outdoor surfaces.
- Fill up pools and hot tubs before the restrictions start on May 1, and cover them when they are not in use to prevent evaporation and to keep it clean.
- Wash your vehicle using a bucket of water and make sure the hose is fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Switch out your 13-litre water wasting toilet with an efficient model and receive a Toilet Replacement Tax Credit Rebate. Visit coquitlam.ca/toiletrebate for details.
Visit the City’s water conservation webpage coquitlam.ca/H20 for details on low-cost rain barrels and electronic water timers, to stay up-to-date on water restrictions and to get more information on water conservation measures.
Conservation for Future Generations
Coquitlam has had a water conservation program since 1993 that delivers public outreach and education and includes the updated 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.
The new water conservation changes were approved by the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD) in November 2021 and are being implemented throughout Metro Vancouver. The City of Coquitlam’s DWCP Bylaw, which aligns with Metro Vancouver’s revised regional watering restrictions, was approved by Council Monday, April 4, 2022.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager Environment, Engineering & Public Works
604-927-3500
waterconservation@coquitlam.ca