Water & Sewers FAQs
Read below for help with a few common questions about water and sewers in Burnaby, and for direction on where to go if you spot a water or sewage emergency.
Water
- I want to report a problem with the City water services that requires immediate attention (ie - fire hydrant is broken or water is leaking onto road)
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Dispatch can assist you. Call 604-294-7200
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- Why do I have cloudy water in my taps?
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This may be caused by rainstorms, routine maintenance when watermains are flushed out, or when fire hydrants are used in the neighbourhood. Try running water for a few minutes to clear the clouding or discolouration. If the water is still cloudy, call Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200.
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- Why do I have poor water pressure?
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Read about Water Pressure for information
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- With water restrictions in place, which days can I water?
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Visit our Sprinkling Restrictions Guide.
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- I'm installing new turf and needs to water my lawn more than restriction allow. How do I get around this?
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Exemptions from restrictions are made in circumstances like yours. Call Engineering General Enquiries at 604-294-7460.
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- I want to report a neighbour who is watering when they shouldn't.
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For water restrictions enforcement, Operations staff can assist you. Call 604-294-7221
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- I need the water in my house shut off.
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Is it an emergency on your property, such as a broken or leaking water line? If yes call Dispatch at 604-294-7220. If not, Operations staff can assist you. Call Operations at 604-294-7221.
If you are doing plumbing that requires water be off in your building, you should locate the main water shut-off within your building.
If you are preparing for demolition, a demolition damage deposit must be paid prior to water being cut at property line. General Enquiries can assist you. Call 604-294-7460.
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- I need a new water connection installed or an existing connection lowered
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Engineering General Enquiries staff can assist you. Call 604-294-7460
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- I want to use a fire hydrant
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You'll need to contact Engineering General Enquiries staff for application and approval. Call General Enquiries at 604-294-7460.
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- What is the available pressure and flow in Burnaby's water system?
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Staff in the Water division can assist you. Call Operations at 604-294-7221
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- I've just finished construction of a commercial building and want the water turned on
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We can do so after a plumbing inspector has contacted the Water Division. Contact the Building Department to book an inspection or have an inspector contact us.
This does not apply to single family dwelling constructions
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Sewers
- I have a backed up toilet or sink. What should I do?
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Try a plunger. If this doesn't work, you need to check and see if the sewer line is plugged or damaged. You are responsible for clearing the line from property to the sewer main in the street. You can do this yourself of call a plumber
If a plumber is unsuccessful in clearing the line to the main, a crew will attend. Call Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200.
The location of the sanitary sewer connection can be picked up at the Engineering Department at Burnaby City Hall or mailed/faxed to the registered property owner (there is a fee if you are not the registered owner). Information is given out over telephone only in an emergency. Call Engineering General Enquiries at 604-294-7460
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- I've got stuff spewing out of my sewer. Help!
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Dispatch can get a crew to you. Call Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200
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- My basement is flooding because of the heavy rains. Help!
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Dispatch can get a crew to you. Call Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200
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- There's a gross odour coming out of my sewer.
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Is it a fuel-like smell or requires immediate attention? Emergency Dispatch can assist. Call Dispatch at 604-294-7200
If no, we will have someone come out and investigate. Call Engineering General Enquiries at 604-294-7460.
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- The culvert outside my place isn't working (plugged or damaged)
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Is it an emergency? Dispatch can assist you. Call Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200
If not, we will have a crew come look at it. Call Engineering General Enquiries at 604-295-7460.
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- I need a new connection installed, an existing connection lowered or the manhole covered on my property raised.
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Please see Service Connection Lowering on our Engineering Permits page. You'll need to download an application and contact Engineering General Enquiries. If the connection needs to be lowered, the caller must submit an application plus $250 plus a copy of the slab elevation and survey certificate.
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- When will my sewer be installed or the lowering of my sewers be done?
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Four to six weeks after payment. Engineering General Enquiries staff may be able to assist you further. Call General Enquiries at 604-294-7460.
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- I can't find my sewer connection
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First, ensure that you have the correct sewer service information. If an honest effort has been made to find the connection, our crews will assist you. Call General Enquiries at 604-294-7460 for further assistance
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- Will you do something about the noisy manhole cover in front of my house?
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We can have a crew person come out and check. Call General Enquiries at 604-294-7460.
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