Metro Vancouver moves from Stage 2 to Stage 1 water restrictions Sept. 1

Metro Vancouver’s Drinking Water Conservation Plan moved from Stage 2 to Stage 1 restrictions on Sept. 1. The City of Port Coquitlam administers the regional plan locally through municipal bylaws, with Stage 1 scheduled to remain in effect until Oct. 15.

Residential addresses with even numbers may water lawns on Saturdays, using automatic watering from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. or manual watering from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Odd-numbered addresses may do so Sundays at the same times. Non-residential even-numbered addresses may water Mondays from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. automatically or 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. manually; odd-numbered addresses may do so Tuesdays.

Trees, shrubs and flowers can be watered with a sprinkler any day from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., and at any time by hand watering or drip irrigation. Hoses must have automatic shut-off devices. Edible plants, flower and vegetable gardens, decorative planters, shrubs and trees, parks, nurseries, farms and golf courses are exempt. Rainwater, grey water, recycled water and other sources outside regional and municipal drinking-water systems are not covered. New lawns need a City permit for an exemption.

Residents and businesses may wash impermeable surfaces such as driveways and patios without restrictions under Stage 1. City program ambassadors and bylaw staff will educate, monitor and enforce the rules; non-compliance can lead to warnings, tickets and fines. Suspected violations can be reported through the Sort and Report app, at portcoquitlam.ca/report or by calling 604.927.3111.