Water Use Restrictions

Watering restrictions help manage demand for drinking water during the summer, periods of water shortages, and in emergencies. Most precipitation in Metro Vancouver occurs between November and April. Dry summer months lead to an increase in water use, particularly for the outdoor activities that are included in the regulations. In some cases, like this summer, watering restrictions may also help to keep water use at a level that protects the system while key infrastructure is under construction.

Several factors are creating added pressure on the regional water system, including dry conditions, low snowpack, forecasts for a dry summer, and critical infrastructure work.

Although the reservoirs were full in early May, snowpack was at approximately half of normal levels. In addition, hot, dry weather is in the long-range forecast. Since there may be limited rain through the summer and not much snow melt to replenish the reservoirs, we need to conserve water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. 

Water use in this region increases significantly when it is sunny and warm, mainly due to lawn watering and outdoor water use, which is why water restrictions are necessary to conserve water.

Yes. City pools are publicly regulated facilities, permitted and regulated by the applicable health authority. Water top-ups will be limited to what is necessary to maintain safe operating conditions. Port Coquitlam's spray parks operate using recycled, non-potable water and are not subject to drinking water restrictions.

Yes, but follow the regulations for watering trees, flowers and shrubs.

In Stage 3:

• Water by hand: Water anytime (Watering container, drip irrigation, or hose with spring-loaded nozzle)
• No sprinklers or soaker hoses allowed

Trees and shrubs provide communities with shade, intercept stormwater, store carbon, create habitat, and help cool our cities during dry and warm weather. It’s important to ensure trees and shrubs, especially ones with shallower roots, are adequately watered to protect their health. Metro Vancouver continues to promote efficient watering practices for trees and shrubs and selecting species that are suitable for climate conditions and require less watering.

In Stage 3, topping up or filling personal pools is not allowed.

In Stage 3, washing your car or boat at home is not allowed (except spot cleaning of windows, lights, and mirrors for safety). Water-efficient commercial car wash facilities are allowed to operate during both stages, as they use far less drinking water per vehicle than home washing and often have recycling systems.

Yes, watering vegetable gardens is allowed on any day at any time in Stages 1, 2, and 3.

Vegetable gardens, especially large community food production plots, require the time and the means, such as regular watering, to ensure they flourish. This is one way that we can support the local food system and people who garden for food. We encourage everyone to use practices for efficient watering of vegetable gardens. This includes watering the roots and deep soil to keep the leaves and vegetables dry or selecting vegetables to suit the growing conditions of a particular area.

City spray parks and pools are allowed to operate during water restrictions because they provide a vital cooling space that is accessible to everyone. They also use user‑activated controls and water recycling systems, which allow the community to beat the heat while conserving water.

Municipal watering is limited and strategic to maintain safe playing surfaces and protect public infrastructure. This ensures fields remain usable and safe for community use while minimizing water use overall.

Playing fields and golf courses continue to be watered when they have an approved water management plan specific to their site. Water management plans allow operators a flexible and effective mechanism to manage their irrigation demands without negatively impacting playing conditions. In addition, golf courses often use supplemental sources of water and like most businesses around the region, are metered and pay for the amount of water they use which is generally an incentive to reduce drinking water use.

All existing watering permits become void when Stage 3 water restrictions take effect. No new permits will be issued under Stage 3. Lawn watering is prohibited entirely at this stage, regardless of permit status. No refunds will be issued for permits that become void.

Violations of Stage 3 water restrictions may result in fines ranging from $150 to $450, depending on the nature of the violation and the stage of restrictions in effect. Residents are expected to comply immediately.

Residents can report potential violations through any of the following channels:

• Sort & Report App

• portcoquitlam.ca/report

• 604.927.3111

Reports are reviewed by City staff. The enforcement approach begins with education, including information, reminders, and warning letters. Where violations are ongoing or serious, fines may be issued under the Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw.

Stage 3 restrictions will remain in effect until Metro Vancouver determines that reservoir levels, snowpack, and weather conditions support a return to a lower stage. The City will communicate any changes as soon as they are announced by Metro Vancouver.

Yes. The City has adjusted watering operations at all City facilities, parks, and sports fields to comply with Stage 3 restrictions. Port Coquitlam leads by example and holds its own operations to the same standard expected of residents and businesses.

Metro Vancouver determines when regional water restriction stages are activated, based on measured reservoir levels, snowpack data, and weather forecasts. The City of Port Coquitlam aligns with Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan and implements and enforces the applicable stage locally.