The City of Port Coquitlam is fortunate to have pristine streams and rivers traversing its community. These waterways are more than just scenic, they serve as vital habitats for fish and wildlife, significantly contributing to the overall health of the local environment.
Many residents may not realize that what flows into a storm drain has a direct line to these waterways. Storm drains are exclusively for rainwater runoff. Unlike wastewater from sinks and toilets, which travels to a treatment plant, anything entering a storm drain flows directly into local streams, rivers, and ultimately the ocean, without any form of treatment. Pouring soap, oil, or chemicals down a storm drain might seem harmless, but these substances, along with pet waste and litter, pose a real threat to aquatic life. They can suffocate fish, destroy habitats, and introduce dangerous toxins into the water. This directly impacts water quality, making it unsafe for recreational activities like fishing or even a walk by the creek, and some pollutants can lead to illness through contaminated water or seafood.
What Residents Can Do
Every resident and business in Port Coquitlam plays a role in protecting local aquatic ecosystems, and making a difference is easier than it might seem. The City encourages everyone to adopt these simple but impactful practices:
Always dispose of pet waste in the trash. Never flush cat litter down toilets or put it in storm drains. Pet waste carries bacteria that harm waterways.
When washing a car, aim for a grassy area where the water can soak into the soil, or better yet, visit a commercial car wash. These are designed to treat wastewater before it re-enters the system, preventing soapy runoff from reaching streams.
Motor oil, paints, cleaning products like bleach, and other hazardous materials should never go down any drain. Take them to a designated collection site for proper disposal. For more information, contact the manufacturer, the BC Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253, or the Ministry of Environment at 250-387-3205.
Always place trash in appropriate bins. Even a small piece of litter can be carried by rain into a storm drain and end up polluting our streams.
- When draining a swimming pool or hot tub, discharge the water directly into a drain connected to the sanitary sewer system, not a storm drain.
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from food and food preparation should never be placed into storm drains or catch basins, in any quantity.
Supporting The Yellow Fish Road Program
This national environmental education program reminds the public that storm drains lead directly to fish habitat. Residents can look for yellow fish symbols painted near storm drains, a visual reminder that only rain should go down the drain. The City supports the dedication of local streamkeepers and community groups who work to protect our waterways, including the Baker Creek Streamkeepers, who have undertaken this initiative in the Baker Creek area. Community groups and schools interested in getting involved with DFO-led initiatives like Yellow Fish Road are encouraged to contact Public Works at [email protected].
Resources
The Sort it Right! program provides a variety of user-friendly resources and tools, including:
Sort & Report app – search for how to properly sort waste, create personalized collection schedules and alerts, report problems and more. Download for free at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport.
Sort it Right Online search tool – learn how to properly dispose of items at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
Sort it Right Waste Sorting & Services guide – a user-friendly guide with detailed collection and sorting information. Pick up the latest from City facilities or download from portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
In-person support – contact 604-927-5496 or drop by Public Works, 1737 Broadway St. to speak with an Environmental Program Ambassador and pick up resources.
If residents observe something that appears incorrect, they are encouraged to report it using the Sort & Report app, report online at portcoquitlam.ca/report, or call 604-927-3111.
By taking these simple steps, the community can significantly help improve water quality and protect the aquatic life that depends on healthy local streams. Keeping waterways clean is a shared responsibility. Polluting any stream, creek, or drain is prohibited by City bylaws, and violations can result in fines and other penalties, as well as liability under federal and provincial environmental laws.
For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/watercourse.
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