COQUITLAM, B.C., July 15, 2026 – Coquitlam residents and community groups can help protect local watercourses by marking storm drains in their neighbourhoods. 

Painting yellow fish beside storm drain grates raises awareness that anything entering these drains flows directly to local creeks and streams, where fish and other wildlife live. Pollutants such as chemicals, paint and drywall can potentially harm sensitive fish and other wildlife habitats and negatively affect our waterways. 

Storm Drain Marking Program Details

Open to individuals, groups and businesses, storm drain marking is one way residents can help protect the environment. Those interested in volunteering their time to mark storm drains can borrow a kit from the City. To get started, sign up for the program here.

Visit coquitlam.ca/StormDrain for more information and to see an interactive map of storm drains near your home or business. 

Why are Storm Drains Important?

Coquitlam has more than 17,000 storm drains that play a vital role in directing rainwater into the City's drainage system. The water then flows into local creeks and streams that support fish and wildlife. 

Using storm drains to dispose of chemicals and pollutants is not only harmful but could lead to penalties under the City’s Stream and Drainage System Protection Bylaw and from provincial and federal authorities. To find safe disposal options for chemicals and other materials, visit coquitlam.ca/WasteWizard or rcbc.ca 

Home and Business Owner Tips

Everyone has a role to play in protecting Coquitlam’s creeks, streams and rivers. Follow these simple tips to help keep our local ecosystems healthy:

• Wash cars on the lawn or at a commercial car wash to prevent soapy water from going directly into storm drains.
• Avoid using pesticides on lawns and gardens. Visit coquitlam.ca/pesticides for safe alternatives.
• Fix vehicle leaks and recycle used oil and antifreeze at designated facilities.
• Sweep driveways and walkways instead of hosing them down to keep litter, oil and pollutants out of storm drains.
• Never drain hot tubs or pools directly into storm drains. Instead, dispose of the water into a sanitary sewer or your lawn. Avoid draining during rain to prevent overflows. For safe chemical disposal, visit  rcbc.ca.
• During renovations or construction, keep dirt, paint and wet concrete away from storm drains and waterways.
• Keep pets away from streams. Animal waste pollutes water, and pets can disturb streambanks causing erosion and increased sediment in the watercourse. 
• Adopt a catch basin. You can also adopt a catch basin and be responsible for keeping it clear of leaves and debris throughout the year.

Report Issues to the City

We want to ensure our drainage systems are working properly and are clear of any debris and chemicals. If you see a damaged or clogged catch basin, or see illegal dumping or spills entering storm drains, please contact the City of Coquitlam Engineering and Public Works Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca. 

Coquitlam’s Environmental Sustainability Plan

Coquitlam finalized an Environmental Sustainability Plan in January 2022 that guides decisions and ensures the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the community. The Environmental Sustainability Plan is organized into five themes: Climate Action, Built Environment, Waste Management, Water Management and Natural Areas, Wildlife and Habitat. Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability Plan at coquitlam.ca/EnviroPlan.

Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Senior Manager Environment
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish People