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1. How should I deal with a flood?

If possible, move your property or home contents to prevent further damage. For your own safety, be aware of electrical hazards while moving. Keep the damaged property for inspection by your insurance company.

2. Should I call my insurance company?

Yes. Insurance policies typically carry coverage for this type of loss and this may be the quickest way to have repairs made. Please refer to your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact your insurance broker and/or home insurer.

3. Should I contact the City?

Please be aware that property owners are responsible for all the water pipes starting at the service valve near the property line. If you discover a water leak coming from City property, please contact the City so that staff can be dispatched to the area and shut off that section of the water main to stop further damage. You can either phone the City’s Engineering and Public Works 24 hour Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or email Engineering. Please note, the Customer Service email is only monitored during regular business hours. Please call if you have an emergency.

4. Will the City pay for my damage?

The law in British Columbia does not make a municipality, including the City of Coquitlam, legally responsible to ensure that its water systems never experience a breakdown or malfunction. Section 744 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1 provides that a municipality is not legally liable for damages that arise from a breakdown or malfunction of a water system. The municipality must be negligent in its maintenance of the system to be liable. The City cannot entertain claims for compensation in a case where there is an absence of negligence. Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).