Residents across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody will soon need to curb their water use as Metro Vancouver Stage 1 watering regulation come into effect.
The seasonal water restrictions begin May 1 and will continue until Oct. 15. Bylaws — which are aimed at lowering water consumption over the region's driest months — require residents and businesses to water their lawns no more than two mornings per week.
Residents with even-numbered addresses can water Wednesday and Saturday, from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m, while residents with odd-numbered addresses are afforded the same time on Thursday and Sunday.
Businesses, meanwhile, are expected to abide by the following lawn watering windows:
- EVEN numbered addresses: Monday, from 1 to 6 a.m.
- ODD numbered addresses: Tuesday, from 1 to 6 a.m.
- ALL non-residential addresses can also water on Friday, from 4 to 9 a.m.
There are some caveats. For one, there are no restrictions on watering plants that produce edible food, whether in someone’s backyard or a community garden. Sprinkler and irrigation systems are allowed to operate any day from 4 a.m. to 9. a.m. and hand watering — either with a container or hose with an automatic shutoff valve — is allowed at any time.
The restrictions also don’t apply to anyone using collected rain, grey water or any other recycled water outside the water supply system.
For those looking to diversify their water source, the city of Coquitlam provides low-cost rain barrels to collect rainwater for gardens and lawns. See www.coquitlam.ca/H2O for details.
Anyone in contravention of the Stage 1 watering restrictions is subject to a fine ranging from $75 to $500.
