Water Exemption Permits
Water Restrictions 2026 Update
As of September 1, all of Metro Vancouver – which includes the City of Coquitlam – is returning to Stage 1 water restrictions across the region.
Lawn watering permits are available for purchase during Stage 1 restrictions.
Water Exemption Permits
The City of Coquitlam approved its Drinking Water Conservation Plan (DWCP) Bylaw to align with Metro Vancouver’s revised regional watering restrictions that went into effect in May 2022.
The City offers two types of water exemption permits, allowing residents to water outside of the watering restrictions, however, policies still exist in each case.
If you are growing a new lawn by seed or sod during the region-wide water use restrictions (May 1 - October 15), you can request a Water Exemption Permit from the City. Consider planting sod early in the season to minimize demand of water. Overseeding of existing lawns do not require a permit and can be sufficiently watered within the water use restrictions.
Please note: Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions.
Permit Policies
- Permits are valid for three weeks (21 days) from the permit issue date and only apply to the newly lawn area that has not yet established.
- Permits allow watering of new lawn area between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. any day within the validity period.
- Permits cost $40.05 for single-family properties and individual townhouse units, and $163.80 for multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
- Permits can be extended one time for the same cost if the new lawn has not fully established. Extensions are subject to review by Water Conservation staff and such extension shall end on or before 42 days from the date of the issue of the initial Permit.
- Permits must be displayed at the front of the property and be visible from the curb and/or sidewalk (e.g. on the front window or door).
- Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions. Active permits are allowed to continue during Stage 2 of the water use restrictions until they expire. No new permits or permit extensions will be issued in Stage 2. All permits will be cancelled upon the activation of Stage 3 restrictions.
How to Apply
Apply online by completing the New Lawn Water Exemption Permit Application Form. Applicants will receive an email with further instructions on how to pay for the permit online. Please allow up to 3 business days for staff to process and issue the permit.
You may also email Water Conservation or call 604-927-3636 to schedule a time to apply in person at Engineering Customer Service at City Hall, located at:
3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2
Nematodes are microscopic organisms that can control European Chafer beetles and are most effective when applied around late July and mid-August.
During Stage 1 water restrictions, residents can apply for a Water Exemption Permit from the City to sufficiently water their treated lawns. Please review the updated policies below.
Please refer to our European Chafer Beetle Information to learn about managing European Chafer beetle infestations on your lawn.
Permit Policies
- Permits are valid for up to 21 days from the permit issue date and only apply to the lawn area treated with nematodes. Permit lengths are determined by the manufacturers' recommended watering requirements.
- Permits allow watering of the treated lawn area between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. any day within the validity period.
- Permits are free of charge and can be renewed one time if a second nematode treatment is applied. A renewal shall end on or before 42 days from the date of the issue of the initial Permit.
- To apply, applicants must show proof of nematode purchase for each treatment (e.g. receipt for a nematode product or invoice for a nematode treatment service).
- Permits must be displayed at the front of the property and visible from the curb and/or sidewalk (e.g. on the front window or door).
- Permits are only issued during Stage 1 restrictions. Active permits are allowed to continue during Stage 2 of the water use restrictions until they expire. No new permits will be issued in Stage 2. All permits will be cancelled upon the activation of Stage 3 restrictions.
How to Apply
Apply online by completing the Nematode Water Exemption Permit Application Form. Applicants will receive an email with further instructions on how to pay for the permit online. Please allow up to 3 business days for staff to process and issue the permit.
You may also email Water Conservation or call 604-927-3636 to schedule a time to apply in person at Engineering Customer Service at City Hall, located at:
3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2