Port Coquitlam residents are reminded that most lawns only need one hour of sprinkling each week.

Regional water restrictions will be in effect from May 1 until October 15 in Port Coquitlam, for all residential and business owners and the Metro Vancouver region.  

Water use almost doubles during the summer, when seasonal rainfall is at its lowest. With the goal of reducing peak water use during the summer months, water conservation also helps minimize costs for taxpayers because it defers the need to build new pipes and reservoirs.

Recent heatwaves impacting the region have highlighted the need for more proactive measures to secure the water supply. With lawns requiring only one hour of watering or rain per week, the Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) restricts lawn watering to one day per week during Stage 1 and from one day per week to no watering in Stage 2.

The Drinking Water Conservation Plan is a regional plan that promotes water conservation and manages how residents, businesses, and member jurisdictions use drinking water during periods of high summer demand, as well as during water shortages and emergencies. The plan is administered by Metro Vancouver and implemented through municipal bylaws, with each City being responsible for monitoring and enforcing the restrictions in their communities.

The following regulations are in effect from May 1 to October 15:

Stage 1 Lawn Watering – Residential

• Even-numbered addresses may water Saturday mornings
• Odd-numbered addresses may water Sunday mornings
• Automatic watering: 5:00 to 7:00 a.m.
• Manual watering: 6:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted any day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Stage 1 Lawn Watering – Non-residential

• Even-numbered addresses may water Monday mornings
• Odd-numbered addresses may water Tuesday mornings
• Automatic watering: 4:00 to 6:00 a.m.
• Manual watering: 6:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Watering trees, shrubs, and flowers is permitted any day from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. if using a sprinkler, or any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation. All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.

Exceptions to the sprinkling regulations include flower and vegetable gardens, decorative

planters, shrubs and trees, and locations such as parks, nurseries, farms and golf courses. New lawns require a permit from the City to be exempt from the restrictions.

The City’s Program Ambassadors and Metro Vancouver staff will be out in the community to educate, monitor and enforce the water restrictions. Non-compliance can result in warnings, tickets, and fines.

Conserve Water

Ways to save water:

• A healthy lawn only needs to be watered for one hour per week – less if it rains.
• Let your lawn go dormant during the summer.
• Most lawns only need 2.5 cm of water each week. Put an empty tuna can on the lawn when you sprinkle and turn off the tap when the can is full.
• To reduce evaporation, keep your grass clippings on the lawn and mulch in your garden.

More information about the regulations and ways to conserve water is available at portcoquitlam.ca/wateritright.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca