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Drinking water and watermain flushing in Burnaby, BC
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Burnaby’s drinking water comes from three Metro Vancouver reservoirs. Annual watermain flushing can briefly change colour, taste or pressure while the City cleans its pipes.
Key information
Burnaby’s drinking water comes from three Metro Vancouver reservoirs. Annual watermain flushing can briefly change colour, taste or pressure while the City cleans its pipes.
On this page
Where Burnaby water comes from
The Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam reservoirs supply Burnaby. Metro Vancouver manages the protected reservoirs and treatment. The City distributes treated water through its local network.
The City reports more than 115 million litres delivered daily through 720 kilometres of distribution lines. These are City-reported system figures, not a household use estimate.
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Testing and public reports
Burnaby reports 63 dedicated sampling locations and more than 1,600 samples tested each year. The water is tested against Health Canada quality standards in addition to regional treatment and testing.
Annual quality reports are available online and at City public libraries. The latest report linked at the check date was for 2025. A report year is not the same as this guide’s checked date.
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
What flushing may look like
Routine flushing normally runs from October through the end of May. The City says water remains safe to drink during this work. Temporary discolouration, reduced pressure or small taste and odour changes can occur.
Run a cold tap for several minutes until the water clears; the City suggests a bathtub tap. Avoid laundry while active flushing is happening nearby. If the water fails to clear or concerns continue, contact Engineering. This routine-work guidance does not replace any separate water advisory.
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Current notice and help
When checked, the page named the Kingsway area between Boundary Road and Walker Avenue, and Rumble Street and Gilpin Street, for flushing. Work areas change. Read the live notice for the current block. Call Engineering at 604-294-7221 for ongoing water concerns.
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Reservoirs | Capilano, Seymour, Coquitlam |
| City-reported network | 720 km of distribution lines |
| Sampling | 63 locations; more than 1,600 samples annually |
| Usual flushing period | October through end of May |
| Persistent change | Engineering 604-294-7221 |
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
What to do next
- Read the notice
Check whether flushing is active near your home.
- Clear the cold water
Run a cold tap for several minutes and pause laundry.
- Report persistent changes
Contact Engineering if water does not clear.
Sources: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
10 useful questions
Which reservoirs supply Burnaby?
Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Who manages the reservoirs?
Metro Vancouver manages and operates them.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Can the public freely enter the reservoirs?
No. Public access is restricted to protect drinking water from contamination.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Does Burnaby do its own sampling?
Yes. The City reports 63 sampling locations and more than 1,600 annual samples.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
When does routine flushing happen?
The stated annual period is October through the end of May.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Can flushing affect water pressure?
Yes. A brief pressure reduction is among the listed temporary effects.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
What should I do about temporary discolouration?
Run a cold tap for several minutes until it clears.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Should I do laundry during nearby flushing?
The City recommends avoiding laundry during active local flushing.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Where can I find quality reports?
Use the linked annual reports or ask at a Burnaby public library.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
What if the water still does not clear?
Call Engineering at 604-294-7221 for help.
Source: City of Burnaby: Drinking water and watermain flushing
Official information and forms
This guide covers the municipal service in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.