Water Use Restrictions

Regional water restrictions go into effect in Port Coquitlam annually from May 1 to October 15 for residential and business properties. We align with Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan for the region. 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.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions are in effect for the entire Metro Vancouver region.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions In Effect

Stage 2 Water Restrictions are in effect for the Metro Vancouver region, including Port Coquitlam. With hot and dry weather in the long-range forecast, we need to make sure we use treated water where we need it most — drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Residential and non-residential lawn watering is prohibited, topping up or filling aesthetic water features is prohibited, watering trees, shrubs and flowers is limited, and washing impermeable surfaces (power washing) is prohibited except if for a health or safety reason, preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment, or aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation. Read the Water Use Restriction Stages section on this webpage and Metro Vancouver's Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary for full details.

Restrictions will be enforced under the Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw by using an educational approach, such as providing warning letters and informational resources, before fines are issued. These fines range from $150 to $450, depending on the nature and stage of the violation.

Water Use Restriction Stages

Find out what each stage means and how it affects outdoor water use.

In effect: Stage 2

Residential lawn watering:

Prohibited

Non-residential lawn watering:

Prohibited

Watering trees, shrubs and flowers:

For residential properties: Permitted any day from 5am to 9am if using a sprinkler
For non-residential properties: Permitted any day from 4am to 9am if using a sprinkler

Permitted any time if hand watering or using drip irrigation

Watering vegetable gardens:

Water anytime

Washing impermeable surfaces (power washing):

Prohibited except if for a health or safety reason, preparing a surface for painting or similar treatment, or aesthetic cleaning by a commercial cleaning operation.

Topping up or filling aesthetic water features:

Prohibited

Additional information:

All hoses must be equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
Washing vehicles and boats is allowed with a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Topping up or filling pools and hot tubs is allowed.

More information is available in the Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary.

Drinking Water Conservation Plan Summary

All activities are prohibited in Emergency Stage 4.

Water Protection & Conservation Tips

Report Water Restriction Violations

Residents who observe watering violations are encouraged to report them.

Report Now

Permits

We are currently processing permit applications. Permit applicants should note that any permit issued will be immediately invalid should Stage 3 restrictions come into force (irrespective of the stated permit duration and expiry date). We encourage residents to carefully consider any work that may require a permit before commencing, given the heightened regional water shortage risk. No refunds will be issued.

Apply for a Watering Permit

To water a new lawn planted by seed or sod during water use restrictions, apply for a Watering Permit.

Apply for a Watering Permit for Nematodes

To apply nematodes (which require thorough lawn watering before and after application), apply for a Watering Permit for Nematodes.