Water Pressure Changes
Water pressure in Burnaby's water system is largely provided by gravity from higher elevation source waters from Metro Vancouver.
The City has been divided into pressure zones based on elevation to maintain water pressures in the City. You can see these in our Burnaby Water Zone Map.
The City’s water system consists of four (4) water pump stations, four (4) water reservoirs, and 21 pressure reducing valve (PRV) stations to control and regulate water pressures for customers and for fire protection and fire fighting. The water system is designed with redundancy, so that the loss of any one source, transmission or distribution component can be repaired without a total pressure loss in most circumstances.
Water Pressure Problems In Your Home
Low Pressure?
Temporary low pressure can be caused by heavy water use, by lawn watering, a water main break, a fire hydrant in use, and other similar actions.
Low pressure is sometimes caused when the City flushes watermains. Notice is advertised in local newspapers and on the City website:
A permanent drop in water pressure may signal a problem with your plumbing or pressure reducing valve (PRV). You can call a plumber at your expense to address the issue, or request a City representative to come check the water supply coming into your property.
Please contact Engineering Dispatch for assistance at 604-294-7200.
High Pressure?
High water pressure may be the result of a malfunctioned pressure reducing valve (PRV).
To address this problem, call a plumber at your expense to inspect the pressure reducing valve or request a City representative to come check the water supply coming into your property.
Please contact Engineering Dispatch for assistance at 604-294-7200.
No Pressure?
If any of your plumbing faucets have little or no water, the problem is from your internal plumbing system. Call a plumber at your expense to investigate.
If you and your neighbours are without water with no shut-off notification from the City, the problem may be from a broken watermain. Call the City's Engineering Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200 for assistance.
If your entire house is without water and your neighbours are not affected, the problem may be from your plumbing or from the City side. You may call a plumber at your expense to check the pressure reducing valve to ensure it is not shut-off or malfunctioned or you can call the City and ask for a representative to come out and investigate. Call Engineering Dispatch for assistance at 604-294-7200.
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
Current Watermain Flushing
Flushing in effect: January 01, 2012 to May 31, 2012
Big Bend Zone: Boundary Rd to RiverBend Dr
Marine Dr to Fraser River
