{"title":"Port Coquitlam watering restrictions","question":"Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?","slug":"water-restrictions","place":{"path":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"water-roads-and-snow","name":"Water, sewer, roads and snow"},"owner":"shared","owner_label":"More than one level of government","owner_body":null,"short_answer":"Yes. Port Coquitlam's Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 4045 sets watering restrictions each year from May 1 to October 15. Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1; Metro Vancouver can declare stricter Stages 2 to 4. At Stage 1, residential lawns are watered on Saturdays (even addresses) or Sundays (odd).","aliases":["sprinkling restrictions port coquitlam","lawn watering days poco","water restrictions stage 1 port coquitlam","watering permit new lawn"],"cost":"Sprinkling permit for a new lawn $30 (renewal $10); nematode permit free. Tickets $100 to $450 by stage.","how_long":"Restrictions run each year from May 1 to October 15. A new stage starts 72 hours after it is announced. A new-lawn permit lasts 21 days, with one extension up to 42 days.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Water Use Restrictions page","value":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions"},{"type":"online","label":"Report a violation (service request form)","value":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/service-requests"},{"type":"phone","label":"Bylaw Services","value":"604-927-5440"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Watering Permit Application (new lawn)","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions/watering-permit-application"},{"title":"Watering Permit Application for Nematodes","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions/watering-permit-nematodes"},{"title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 4045 (PDF)","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Port Coquitlam bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/anmore","name":"Anmore","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/water-restrictions/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/water-restrictions/"}],"topic":{"title":"Watering restrictions in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/water-restrictions/"},"facts":{"in_effect":{"label":"When restrictions apply","value":"Restrictions run each year from May 1 to October 15. Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1 if no stage is in force; Metro Vancouver can declare Stages 2 to 4, which start 72 hours after announcement. No current stage is stated; check the City or Metro Vancouver.","short":"May 1 to October 15","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","section":"s. 4.1-4.4","quotes":["comes into force in the City of Port Coquitlam seventy-two hours after the Commissioner or","If no Restriction Stage is in force on May 1 of any year, Stage 1 Restrictions","No Restriction Stage will remain in force after October 15 of any year,"]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions","title":"Water Use Restrictions, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"page","quotes":["Regional water restrictions go into effect in Port Coquitlam annually from May 1 to October 15","Stage 1 Water Restrictions are in effect as of September 1."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"schedule":{"label":"Sprinkling schedule","value":"Stage 1, residential lawns: even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered on Sundays. Automatic systems 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.; manual (hand-held) watering 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Non-residential: Mondays (even) and Tuesdays (odd), 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. automatic, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. manual. Stage 2 and higher: no lawn watering.","short":"Stage 1: even Sat, odd Sun; no lawn watering Stage 2+","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B, s. 2.1(a), 3(a), 4.1(a)","quotes":["at residential premises with even numbered civic addresses, on","Saturdays:","Automatic watering – from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.","Manual watering – from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.;","When Stage 2 Restrictions are in force, no person shall water lawns."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exempt_watering":{"label":"Allowed at any time","value":"Vegetable gardens: any day, any time in Stages 1 to 3. Trees, shrubs and flowers: handheld hose, water container or drip irrigation any time (soaker hoses only in Stages 1 and 2). Sprinklers: 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stage 1; 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stage 2 under the City bylaw (Metro's 2021 plan says 5 a.m.). Hoses need shut-off nozzles.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","section":"Schedule B, s. 1.1, 2.1(b), 3(b)","quotes":["All hoses must have an automatic shut-off device.","on any day from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for residential users, if using a sprinkler;","on any day at any time if using a handheld hose, soaker hose, water container, or","on any day from 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for residential users if","a handheld hose, water container, or drip irrigation."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions","title":"Water Use Restrictions, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"FAQ","quotes":["Watering vegetable gardens is permitted any day, any time under Stages 1, 2, and 3."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"At Stage 1 the City page says sprinkler watering of trees and shrubs is allowed 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.; Bylaw Schedule B s. 2.1(b) says 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for residential users (4 a.m. is for non-residential). The bylaw wins. Stage 4 bans watering trees, shrubs and flowers including edible plants. The City page also lists car and boat washing, pressure washing and topping up pools and hot tubs as allowed at Stage 1; at Stage 2 washing surfaces is banned and at Stage 3 pool filling is banned."},"new_lawns":{"label":"New lawns","value":"In Stage 1 you can apply to the Director of Engineering and Public Works for a Sprinkling Permit for a new lawn (seed or sod) or substantial new landscaping, with proof of purchase: 21 days, one extension up to 42 days; $30 (renewal $10). The bylaw also allows Stage 2, but Metro's plan says no new permits then. None at Stage 3 or 4. Free 21-day nematode permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.1, 6.4-6.7","quotes":["who has installed a new lawn, either by placing sod or turf or by","shall expire and be of no force or effect 21","days after the date of its issue, unless the Person has been issued an extension","A Person who wishes to treat their lawn with nematodes","shall waive the cost for the Sprinkling Permit.","A permit does not","Permit issued under section 6.2 shall expire and be of no force or effect 21"]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Bylaw%204415%20-%202026%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4415 (PDF)","section":"Schedule (Engineering)","quotes":["Sprinkling Permit $30 (valid 21 days)","Sprinkling Permit Renewal $10"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Unauthorized watering: Stage 1 $100 ($70 if paid within 30 days; $175 if paid after 90 days); Stage 2 $150 ($105 / $225); Stage 3 $300 (no early amount; $375 late); Stage 4 $450 (no early amount; $500 late).","short":"$100 Stage 1 ($70 if paid in 30 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 4045","quotes":["Unauthorized watering Sch. B","100 70 175 N/A","– Stage 1 (2.1)","150 105 225 N/A","- Stage 2 (3.1)","300 N/A 375 N/A","– Stage 3 (4.1)","450 N/A 500 N/A","– Stage 4 (5.1)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 4045","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","section":"s. 3","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as the “Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw, 2018, No. 4045."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":6,"stated":6,"matched":6,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nRestrictions under [Bylaw 4045](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf) run each year from May 1 to October 15. Stage 1 starts automatically on May 1 if no stage is in force. Metro Vancouver can declare Stages 2 to 4, which start 72 hours after the announcement. The bylaw states no current stage, and the City's page may be out of date, so check the City or Metro Vancouver for the stage now in force.\n\n## Stage rules\n\n- Residential lawns, Stage 1: even-numbered addresses on Saturdays, odd-numbered on Sundays. Automatic systems 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.; manual (hand-held) watering 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.\n- Non-residential lawns, Stage 1: Mondays (even) and Tuesdays (odd). Automatic 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.; manual 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.\n- Stage 2 and higher: no lawn watering.\n- Vegetable gardens: any day, any time in Stages 1 to 3.\n- Trees, shrubs and flowers: handheld hose, water container or drip irrigation any time (soaker hoses only in Stages 1 and 2). Sprinklers 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stage 1 and 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Stage 2. Stage 4 bans watering them, edible plants included.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. For a new lawn (seed or sod) or substantial new landscaping in Stage 1, apply to the Director of Engineering and Public Works for a Sprinkling Permit, with proof of purchase. It is $30 (renewal $10), valid 21 days with one extension up to 42 days.\n2. A nematode permit is free for 21 days.\n3. To report a violation, use the service request form.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No new-lawn permits at Stage 3 or 4. The bylaw also allows them at Stage 2, but Metro's plan says no new permits then.\n- Washing surfaces is banned at Stage 2, and filling pools at Stage 3.\n- The City page gives 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. for Stage 1 sprinklers on trees and shrubs; the bylaw says 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. for residential users. Confirm if it matters.\n- Tickets for unauthorized watering: Stage 1 $100 ($70 if paid within 30 days, $175 after 90 days); Stage 2 $150 ($105 / $225); Stage 3 $300 (no early amount; $375 late); Stage 4 $450 (no early amount; $500 late).","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/water-protection/water-use-restrictions","title":"Water Use Restrictions, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4045%20-%20Drinking%20Water%20Conservation%20Plan.pdf","title":"Drinking Water Conservation Plan Bylaw 2018, No. 4045 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Bylaw%204415%20-%202026%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 4415 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3814, Schedule A (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/water-restrictions/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/water-restrictions.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/water-restrictions.json"}}