Drinking Water
Our Quality Monitoring Program
Burnaby’s drinking water comes from three mountain watersheds: the Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam Reservoirs. These reservoirs are protected areas operated and managed by Metro Vancouver.
The three large supply lakes collect water from snowmelt, creeks and streams. Metro Vancouver treats and tests the water for quality at the source before it is delivered to Lower Mainland municipalities, and closes public access to the reservoirs to prevent human-related contamination.
Did You Know?
- Safety Alert: People with very weak immune systems may be at higher risk for water born infections. Please read Drinking Water and Weakened Immune Systems.
- Burnaby has over 700km of drinking water distribution lines
- We deliver ~115 million L of water per day to Burnaby residents and businesses
- We have 63 drinking water sampling locations to test over 1,200 samples each year
Watermain Flushing Program
The Operations Department is conducting its annual program of flushing and cleaning of watermains. This might result in the water supply showing sediment in some areas. This may cause the water to be discoloured and may affect some industrial processes.
If you have questions or specific concerns, please contact the Engineering Department at 604-294-7221.
Watermain Flushing Program
The Operations Department conducts its annual program of flushing and cleaning watermains from the beginning of October until end of May. This may result in the water supply showing sediment and discolouration and may affect some industrial processes. View Current Watermain Flushing information.
Drinking Water Reports & Results
The City of Burnaby undertakes drinking water quality sampling within the community to ensure that our drinking water meets the B.C. Safe Drinking Water Regulations and the Health and Welfare Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
