Thirsty work: Coquitlam to make water meters mandatory for new builds

Coquitlam isn’t on the meter yet, but it’s getting there.

Starting in 2027, new developments in the city are set to pay metered water rates, following a unanimous vote from council Monday.

“Moving in this direction is a step toward what most other municipalities have done,” said Coun. Dennis Marsden, noting there had been “some reticence” in the past.

The metered rates would apply to residential developments that get a building permit after Jan. 1, 2025. If the approach leads to metered homes using less water, the city will likely need to boost the flat rates paid by other homeowners.

Staff is set to come back to council in 2025 to talk about giving homeowners a chance to switch to a water meter.

Water use varies widely in Coquitlam, with 20 percent of the city’s thirstiest homes using almost five times more water than the bottom 20 percent, according to a city staff report.

Given that the new meters are easier to install, as well as the fact that multiple units can now be built on a single lot, Marsden said he was keen to learn about that transition.

“Let’s face it, most of our homes aren’t single-family detached anymore. Even the single-family detached have suites,” he said.

Each year, approximately 20 million cubic metres of water flow through Coquitlam taps. Residential customers use about 70 percent of the water. The remainder is used industrial, commercial and institutional establishments – all of which are metered.

The meters provide hourly water consumption data, which can be used to pinpoint leaks, sometimes leading to a dramatic drop in water use, according to a city staff report.

The city switched to a seasonal water rate in 2023, charging more for water between June and September, in an effort to: “provide customers with a financial incentive for water conservation.”

While the decision rests with the municipality, Metro Vancouver generally supports water metering as a way to take the guesswork out of water management.

“Until this actual water use data is available, Metro Vancouver must continue to use assumptions to make critical decisions about future water use and system growth,” a Metro Vancouver official stated in an email to the Dispatch.

Coquitlam’s water charge was $672 in 2024 for single-family homes. That rate dropped to $403 for multi-family and $269 for secondary suites, as those residents tend to use less water.

Slightly more than half of water utility fees to go Metro Vancouver for buying water and running the regional supply system.