Water entering Coquitlam storm drains flows directly to local creeks and streams, and the city is asking residents to help make that visible at the curb.
The City of Coquitlam posted a July 15 notice inviting individuals, community groups, and businesses to borrow kits and paint yellow fish markers beside storm drain grates. The markers remind neighbours that chemicals, paint, drywall residue, vehicle fluids, and soapy wash water should stay out of catch basins.
How the program works
Coquitlam says residents can borrow a kit through the city's Storm Drain Marking Program. The city also points people to an interactive storm-drain map so they can find drains near a home or business before choosing where to mark.
The scale is large enough to matter. Coquitlam says it has more than 17,000 storm drains directing rainwater into the city's drainage system before it reaches creeks and streams.
What to check before you mark
The practical first step is to use the city sign-up page, then check the map for drains near your block, school, workplace, or business.
Residents can also use the city's Waste Wizard and the Recycling Council of BC for disposal options before cleaning up paint, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, or renovation material.
Coquitlam's tips are specific enough to use:
- Wash cars carefully: use a lawn or a commercial car wash instead of sending soapy water into a drain.
- Handle chemicals separately: check disposal options for paint, pesticides, oil, antifreeze, and renovation material.
- Report drainage problems: contact city public works if a catch basin is damaged, clogged, or affected by a spill.
Why it matters locally
Coquitlam says pollutants entering storm drains can harm sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. That makes the yellow fish markers a neighbourhood reminder, not just a decoration beside the curb.
If you see a damaged or clogged catch basin, or a spill entering a storm drain, the city says to contact Engineering and Public Works Customer Service at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca.
