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1. Why are meters required?

Residential water metering is common practice for water utilities worldwide, and municipalities across the Lower Mainland are transitioning from flat rates to metering. Residential metering improves the alignment between how much water each person uses, and how much they pay for their water and sewer services. This also provides a financial incentive for people to conserve water and help protect our drinking water supply.

With a meter, people who conserve water could pay less each year for their water and sewer utility bills, relative to the existing flat rates.

2. Who needs to install a meter?

Every property submitting a building permit application after January 1, 2025 will be required to install a water meter as a condition of building permit approval. Minor renovations worth less than $150,000 will be exempted from the water meter installation requirement.

Existing residential properties without any building permits planned are not required to install a water meter. However, later in 2025, additional details will be prepared and shared for any existing residential customers who might want to choose to have a meter.

3. What kind of meter needs to be installed? Where would a meter be installed? How many meters are required?

An approved list of meters is available within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (PDF). 

Meters are typically installed at the property line, with one meter per water service. 

Individual units in a multi-family building do not need to be metered, as there will only be one meter installed at the property line.

4. Who installs the meter?

A water meter can be installed by City of Coquitlam crews, or by a qualified contractor subject to the City’s requirements and standards. 

Work by a qualified contractor requires a plumbing permit and inspection by City staff along with the  associated permit and inspection fees. 

5. How much does it cost to install a water meter?

If it is preferred for Coquitlam crews to install the meter, the cost is included with Schedule F of Coquitlam’s Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF). The 2025 rates are as follows, and additional fees would apply if the water service also needs to be installed or replaced:

• 19mm meter = $2,162
• 25mm meter = $2,162
• 38mm meter = $3,550
• 50mm meter = $3,927

Note: larger meters require specific quotes 

Alternatively, you can request a quote from a qualified plumber to install a meter subject to Coquitlam’s requirements and standards. Meter sizing guidelines are included within Coquitlam’s Water Meter Specifications (Section 9) (PDF).

6. Where can I buy an approved meter?

Approved water meters can be purchased through a plumbing supply company (for example: Fred Surridge, Flow Systems, and Gibsons).

7. When will a meter be installed?

The meter needs to be installed before final occupancy is granted, and will be inspected by City staff to ensure that the correct meter was installed according to City specifications and standards.

8. How can I see my water consumption?

In 2026, the City will release an online portal, where property owners will be able to login to see their hourly water consumption. Property owners will also be able to set and receive alerts for high consumption and possible leaks. If the meter is installed in 2025, and if you would like to review your detailed consumption before 2026, please email Engineering and Public Works Customer Service and your detailed historical consumption can be provided.

9. How does metered water and sewer billing work?

Metered billing for residential properties will not begin until 2027. Flat rates will still be required for residential properties in 2025 and 2026.

Metered water and sewer bills are sent every 4 months, and similar to other utility bills, include a fixed base charge as well as a volumetric charge based on total consumption. Coquitlam also has a seasonal water rate, which charges a higher amount for water used between May – September, and a lower amount for water used from October – April. Additional details are available on coquitlam.ca/MeteredUtility.

10. What happens if I have a leak?

Leaks on private property are the responsibility of the property owner to repair.

11. Who can I talk to if I have questions?

Please email Engineering and Public Works Customer Service or call 604-927-3500.