Port Coquitlam residents are advised that Metro Vancouver is activating Stage 2 water restrictions in the region effective August 4 to preserve our water supply during an unseasonably warm, dry summer.
As part of the Drinking Water Conservation Plan, Stage 2 water restrictions are designed to conserve drinking water to ensure the existing supply will last until Metro Vancouver declares that the water shortage situation is over. The Stage 2 restrictions are enacted to conserve drinking water supplies to avoid or delay moving to Stage 3 as long as possible.
The following regulations are in effect August 4 until further notice.
Lawn sprinkling will be prohibited at all times. Outdoor sprinkling of lawns using hose-connected or automatic in-ground sprinklers will be permitted only as follows:
Lawn Watering - Residential and Non-residential - All addresses
- Prohibited from watering lawns and topping up or filling aesthetic water features
- Active water exemption permits remain in effect until expiry date
- New watering permits will NOT be issued
What is NOT Allowed?
- Hosing outdoor surfaces (e.g. driveways, sidewalks, roofs) for aesthetic reasons unless required for public health and safety concerns or to prepare a surface for painting/sealing or similar treatment.
- Pressure washing for aesthetic reasons except to prepare a surface for painting, sealing or similar treatment. This DOES NOT apply to private or commercial pressure washing businesses.
- Operating ornamental fountains, including residential, commercial, institutional and government fountains
What IS Allowed?
- Watering of flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees
- Residential - Garden sprinkling permitted any day from 5:00 - 9:00 a.m.
- Non-residential - Garden sprinkling permitted any day from 4:00 - 9:00 a.m.
- Washing of cars or boats using a hose with an automatic shut off device.
- Operating water play parks with user-activated switches.
- Golf courses may water greens and tee areas normally; fairways may only be watered once weekly.
- Sports playing fields, school yards and sand-based playing fields may be watered at minimum levels required to maintain areas in useable condition.
- Artificial turf requiring wetting and outdoor tracks requiring hosing for health or safety reasons.
The City will enforce the Stage 2 restrictions under its Drinking Water Conservation Play Bylawby using an educational approach and issuing a verbal warning before a $150 fine is issued ($105 if paid within 30 days).
The City is adjusting watering operations at City facilities, parks and sports fields to meet the Stage 2 restrictions.
Water restrictions will be in effect until further notice in Port Coquitlam and across the Metro Vancouver region, with the goal of reducing water use.
Conserve Water
Residents are reminded that it is important to continue to reduce water use by:
- Putting leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and trees to hold in moisture.
- Water vegetable gardens in the morning, near the roots, and by hand.
- Wash cars for safety reasons only.
- Sweep driveways or decks with a broom instead of the hose.
- Install a shut-off valve on your hose so it only runs when in use.
- Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge, instead of running the tap until it cools.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
- Take shorter showers.
- Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
- Install low-flow toilets as they account for 30% of indoor use.
- When replacing appliances, choose low-flow, high efficiency options.
To report any City issues or concerns please report it at portcoquitlam.ca/report. More information about the regulations is available at portcoquitlam.ca/wateritright or by calling the City at 604.927.5420.
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]