Port Coquitlam residents are advised that Metro Vancouver has downgraded regional water restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2, effective Thursday, July 16.
The downgrade follows the return to service of the First Narrows Crossing, a critical drinking water pipeline that carries water from the North Shore reservoirs into the regional distribution system. The crossing was temporarily offline while Metro Vancouver completed infrastructure upgrades as part of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project.
The City thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and reduced water use during Stage 3. While restrictions are easing, conservation remains important. Hot and dry weather is forecast to continue, and with no snowpack to help replenish reservoirs, every litre saved helps protect the regional water supply through the fall.
The following Stage 2 regulations are in effect as of July 16 until further notice.
Yards and Landscaping
Lawn watering continues to be prohibited under Stage 2.
Trees, shrubs, inedible flowers, and plants may be watered manually at any time using a hand-held hose with a shut-off device, soaker hose, water container, or drip irrigation.
Garden sprinkling using a sprinkler is permitted as follows:
Residential: any day from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Non-residential: any day from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Vegetable gardens may be watered at any time.
Topping up or filling decorative water features, including fountains and ponds, is prohibited.
Washing Vehicles
Washing of cars and boats at home is permitted using a hand-held hose with a shut-off device.
Commercial car washes that are water-efficient facilities are permitted to operate.
Washing Outdoor Surfaces
Personal pressure washers and garden hoses may be used for health or safety reasons, or to prepare a surface for painting, sealing, or similar treatment. Aesthetic cleaning is not permitted.
All types of commercial cleaning activities are permitted under Stage 2.
Pools and Hot Tubs
There is no impact to personal or public pools or hot tubs under Stage 2. Filling and topping up of residential and public pools and hot tubs is permitted.
Spray Parks and City Pools
Spray parks in Port Coquitlam will continue to operate as normal, as their recirculating, sensor-based and user-activated flow-through systems are not subject to water restrictions.
City pools remain open and are not impacted by Stage 2 restrictions.
Sports Fields and Golf Courses
Sports playing fields, school yards, and sand-based playing fields may be watered at the minimum levels required to maintain areas in useable condition.
Golf courses may water greens and tee areas normally. Fairways may be watered once weekly.
The City has adjusted watering operations at all City facilities, parks, and sports fields in accordance with Stage 2 requirements.
Fines and Enforcement
Violations of Stage 2 water restrictions may result in fines ranging from $150 to $450, enforced under the City’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw. Residents are expected to comply with all restrictions.
Conserve Water
Stage 2 is a meaningful improvement, but conservation efforts should continue. Residents are encouraged to reduce water use in and around the home by:
Placing leaves and bark mulch around shrubs and trees to retain moisture
Watering vegetable gardens at the roots and in the early morning
Sweeping driveways and decks with a broom instead of a hose
Installing a shut-off valve or spring-loaded nozzle on your hose
Keeping a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it cools
Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing dishes
Taking shorter showers
Running full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
Report a Concern
Residents who observe a potential water restriction violation are encouraged to report it through any of the following:
Sort & Report App
604.927.3111
More information about water restrictions and the Drinking Water Conservation Plan is available at portcoquitlam.ca/wateritright.
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