UPDATED (Oct. 22, 2024): Extreme rainfall on the steep mountainous terrain above Coquitlam Reservoir has resulted in drinking water turbidity (cloudiness) in eastern portions of Metro Vancouver. After peaking on Sunday morning, the turbidity has been trending downward. The water remains safe to drink despite its cloudy appearance due to Metro Vancouver’s protected water supply areas and water treatment processes. Metro Vancouver will continue to monitor water quality and provide updates if the situation changes significantly.
Turbidity occurs when storm runoff carries sediment (e.g. clay and silt) into water reservoirs. Increased turbidity in drinking water may interfere with disinfection. As a result, treatment and disinfection levels have been increased as a safety precaution and Metro Vancouver is operating the water system to maximize water quality.