Metro Vancouver has announced the region will move to Stage 3 water restrictions, commencing June 8, as ongoing dry weather, low snowpack levels, and reduced water system capacity continue to strain the drinking water supply. This escalation follows Stage 2 restrictions, which have been in effect since May 1.
The stricter measures are designed to conserve water for critical household use, firefighting, and emergency services throughout the summer, a period when drinking water demand typically doubles. Under Stage 3, the watering of lawns is strictly prohibited across the region.
Key restrictions coming into force on June 8 include:
Lawn Watering: Prohibited.
Trees, Shrubs, and Inedible Plants: May be watered only by hand with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, a water container, or drip irrigation. The use of hose-fed sprinklers or soaker hoses is not permitted.
Edible Plants: Watering is allowed at any time.
Outdoor Surface Cleaning: Permitted only for health and safety reasons, in preparation for painting or sealing, or when conducted by a commercial cleaning service.
Fountains and Decorative Water Features: Filling or topping up is prohibited.
Pools and Hot Tubs: Only permitted to operate with a valid permit issued by a local health and safety authority.
Vehicle Washing: Restricted to cleaning for safe operation (windows, mirrors, lights, license plates, or boat engines) or at water-efficient commercial vehicle washing facilities.
All existing water exemption permits are cancelled, and no new permits for watering new lawns or treating for European Chafer Beetle will be issued under Stage 3. The City of Coquitlam will actively enforce these regional restrictions and encourages residents to review the full details and explore water conservation strategies at coquitlam.ca/H2O. The City also provides resources such as low-cost rain barrels and electronic watering timers to help residents reduce water consumption.