Regional water restrictions will be in effect in Port Coquitlam from May 1 to October 15 for residential and business properties, in alignment with Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan.
Residents are reminded that most lawns thrive with just one hour of watering per week.
Water use typically doubles during the summer months, placing increased demand on the regional drinking water supply. Conserving water helps reduce peak demand, delay costly infrastructure expansion, and protect our water supply during periods of hot and dry weather.
Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) is a regional strategy to manage drinking water use during periods of high demand, water shortages and emergencies. While the plan is administered by Metro Vancouver, the City of Port Coquitlam is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the regulations locally through municipal bylaw.
Stage 1 Watering Restrictions in Effect May 1 to October 15
Residential lawn watering allowed
Even-numbered addresses: Saturdays
Automatic watering: 5:00 am to 7:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Odd-numbered addresses: Sundays
Automatic watering: 5:00 am to 7:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Non-residential lawn watering allowed
Even-numbered addresses: Mondays
Automatic watering: 4:00 am to 6:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesdays
Automatic watering: 4:00 am to 6:00 am
Manual watering: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
Watering Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers
Permitted any day from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. if using a sprinkler.
Permitted any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation.
All hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Exceptions to these regulations include flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees, parks, nurseries, farms, and golf courses.
New Lawn and Nematode Treatment Permits
A permit is required for new lawns to be exempt from watering restrictions. Nematode treatment also requires a permit where applicable.
Only one permit extension is allowed per property. Repeated or multiple extensions will not be issued. Any extension must end on or before 42 days from the date the original permit was issued.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The City’s Program Ambassadors and Bylaw staff will be out in the community throughout the season to educate residents and businesses, monitor compliance, and support increased enforcement of watering restrictions where needed.. Failure to comply may result in warnings, tickets and fines.
Conserve Water – Every Drop Counts
Simple Ways to Save Water:
A healthy lawn only needs about one hour of watering per week and often less if it rains.
Consider allowing your lawn to go dormant during the summer months.
Most lawns only require about 2.5 cm (one inch) of water each week. Use an empty tuna can to measure and turn off the sprinkler when it is full.
Leave grass clippings on your lawn and use mulch in your garden to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
For more detailed information about the water restrictions and water conservation tips, visit portcoquitlam.ca/wateritright.
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