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Metered Utilities
Coquitlam operates three utility services, water, sewer and solid waste that are funded primarily by user fees. The revenues collected pay for the respective City operating and capital infrastructure costs, as well as the Metro Vancouver cost for the supply of regional services.
In 2023, Coquitlam moved to a seasonal metered water rate structure to help support water conservation, per the City’s Enhanced Water Conservation Strategy.
Water Consumption and Rates
Summer water consumption in Coquitlam is typically 55% higher than winter water consumption. Our goal is to have no net increase in overall summer time consumption over the next 10 years while still enabling population growth.
- To provide a financial incentive for water conservation in Coquitlam, a premium is charged for water use during the dry summer months, June through September, as there is less water available.
- A reduced rate is charged during the wetter months, October through May, when more water is available as the reservoirs fill.
The rate change is intended to be revenue-neutral for the City and is aligned with water rates charged by Metro Vancouver to Coquitlam.
However, this change will result in different unit rate charges on your quarterly bills.
Your first bill of 2023 (issued in February) is based on the previous 2022 rates, but you will see these seasonal rate changes reflected in your following water utility bills, with the premium applied to consumption between June – September.
August 2023 Update
The most recent bill for water consumption is from May 1 - July 31, 2023 and reflects the regular rate for May of $1.1275 (per m3) and the summer rate of $1.4094 (per m3) for June and July. Metered customers will receive two bills for this period but need to only pay the full amount as indicated on the second June/July bill.
- November 29, 2022, Report to Council - 2023 Water, Sewer, Drainage and Solid Waste Rate Amendments
Billing Dates, Consumption Timeframe and Rates
| Bill | Consumption Period | Metered Rate (per m3) |
|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 (2022 Rate) | $1.0547 |
| May 2023 | Feb. 1 – April 30, 2023 (Regular Rate) | $1.1275 |
| August 2023 | May 2023 (Regular Rate) | $1.1275 |
| June 1 – July 31, 2023 (Summer Rate) | $1.4094 | |
| November 2023 | Aug. 1 – Sept. 30, 2023 (Summer Rate) | $1.4094 |
| Oct. 1 - 31, 2023 (Regular Rate) | $1.1275 | |
| Please note: Actual meter reading dates may differ. | ||
2023 Metered Water Rates
| Rate Category | Metered Rate (per m3) |
|---|---|
| Regular (Jan. 1 – May 31, Oct. 1 - Dec. 31) | $1.1275 |
| Summer (June 1 - Sept. 30) | $1.4094 |
In addition, a fixed quarterly charge shall also apply to each metered utility account based on the size and number of meters assigned to that account, as outlined in the table below:
| Meter Size (mm) | Quarterly Charge per Meter |
|---|---|
| 16 – 19 | $13.00 |
| 25 | $15.60 |
| 38 | $23.40 |
| 50 | $31.20 |
| 75 | $52.00 |
| 100 | $65.00 |
| 150 | $117.00 |
| 200 | $156.00 |
| 250 and larger | $195.00 |
Water charges are based on meter consumption x water rate + quarterly meter charge per meter.
2023 Metered Sewer Rates
| Rate Category | Metered Rate (per m3) |
|---|---|
| Each cubic meter – Regular | $1.1869 |
| Each cubic meter – BOD/TSS* | $0.5934 |
In addition, each metered service account will be subject to a fixed quarterly charge of $67.74. Sewer charges are based on total quarterly water consumption x sewer rate + fixed quarterly charge. Sewer and Drainage Amendment Bylaw No. 5283.
*BOD/TSS customers must apply for and receive a waste discharge permit through Metro Vancouver, and pay additional fees directly to Metro Vancouver.
Detailed Consumption Data
Our automated meter-reading program is complete, which enables the City to receive near-real time hourly consumption data. In the future, we intend to provide our metered customers access to a customer portal to review your detailed consumption data, which would also enable you to to set up leak or high-volume alerts.
For now, if you want to see your detailed consumption data, please email Customer Service.
How to Pay
There are a variety of methods available to make your utility payments either in person, via mail or online. Please visit our Utility Payment page for all the details.
Learn More about Our Water System
The City of Coquitlam has developed an interactive guided story From Reservoir to Tap that shows the journey water takes from the watershed, and all the steps and people involved to deliver safe and reliable water to businesses and homes in our community.
Learn more about our Water System at coquitlam.ca/water.