Water, sewer and sprinkling rules
Where Prince George tap water comes from, year-round sprinkling rules, frozen pipes, leaks, water meters and what not to flush.
Updated
At a glance
- Prince George tap water is groundwater from City wells, chlorinated to Northern Health guidelines.
- Sprinkling restrictions apply 365 days a year: even house numbers on even dates, odd on odd dates.
- No sprinkling from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in most of the city (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Western Acres). The fine is $100.
- The pipe from the curb stop to your house is yours to maintain. Leaks there must be fixed within 10 working days.
- Report water problems to 311, or 250-561-7600 from outside city limits.
The City of Prince George supplies drinking water, treats wastewater and manages stormwater for homes and businesses inside city limits. You pay for water and sewer on your utility bill, which is separate from property tax. See property taxes and utilities for rates and due dates.
Where your water comes from
Prince George runs on groundwater. The City pumps it from wells within the city and along the Nechako River, drawing from underground aquifers. That groundwater is naturally protected from most surface pollution. It’s then chlorinated according to Northern Health guidelines, chlorine levels are checked daily, and samples go to accredited labs on a regular schedule.
The system is large. The City says it averages about 189 million litres a day through more than 550 km of pipe, 10 pump stations, 15 reservoirs and six wells.
Sprinkling rules (all year)
Prince George’s water use restrictions apply 365 days a year, not just in summer.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Which days | Even house numbers on even-numbered dates, odd house numbers on odd-numbered dates |
| No sprinkling (most of the city) | Noon to 5 p.m. |
| No sprinkling (Western Acres) | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Fine | $100 |
The Western Acres rule covers properties on Cinch Loop, Hartman Road, Cantle Drive, Corral Road, Western Road, and the Highway 16 West frontage road from the 8100 block to the city boundary.
If you have a special situation, such as a newly laid lawn, you can apply for an exemption online or by calling 250-561-7550.
Water smarter
- A lawn needs about 2.5 cm of water a week. That’s roughly half an hour of sprinkling, twice a week.
- Water early morning or evening. The City says up to half of midday water can evaporate before it reaches the roots.
- Mow high (5 to 7.5 cm). Taller grass shades the soil and needs less water.
- Rain barrels are a cheap, chlorine-free way to water gardens.
Frozen pipes
Prince George winters can freeze water lines. To prevent it:
- Keep rooms with water pipes above about 13°C.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air reaches the pipes.
- In extreme cold, leave a thin, steady stream of cold water running (about the width of a drinking straw).
- Seal drafts and insulate pipes near exterior walls and in garages.
If a tap gives you nothing in a cold snap, first check that your main shut-off valve is on and that there’s no leak. Then either call a plumber (the safer choice) or thaw the pipe yourself: open the tap, and warm the frozen section with a heating pad, heat tape or hair dryer. Never use a torch, propane heater or any open flame. If the frozen pipe is inside an exterior wall, call a professional.
Leaks: yours or the City’s?
Where the leak is decides who fixes it.
- City side: the water main, service connection and the curb stop valve (usually near your property line).
- Owner side: everything from the curb stop into your house, including the connection nut.
If the City finds a leak on your service, crews test by closing the curb stop. If the leak stops, it’s on your side. You then have 10 working days to get it repaired by a certified contractor, with a plumbing permit and a call to BC One Call before digging. If the leak threatens property, the City may shut the water off until it’s fixed. Turning water on or off outside normal hours (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) costs $200.
Before hiring, get three quotes, check references, and confirm the contractor is licensed, insured and holds a Prince George business licence.
Water meters
Most homes pay a flat utility rate. You can volunteer for a water meter instead, which bills you for what you actually use. Metered homes often pay less, and a meter makes leaks easier to spot.
- Have a certified plumber complete and sign a plumbing permit application (it can only cover the meter installation).
- Submit it with the Volunteer Residential Water Meter agreement to Development Services (2nd floor, City Hall, 250-561-7611).
- The City supplies the meter; you pay for the permit and the installation.
- A City inspector checks the install. Meters are read remotely.
Once installed, a meter can’t be removed. Billing switches to metered after one year.
Sewer and what not to flush
Anything other than toilet paper and human waste can clog pipes and pumps. Wipes (including ones labelled “flushable”) and cooking grease are common causes of blockages. The City’s flushables and unflushables page lists what should go in the garbage instead.
Keep storm drains near your home clear of ice, leaves and garbage, especially during spring melt. This helps prevent localized flooding (see emergency services and alerts).
Contacts
- Water or sewer problems, service requests: 311, 311@princegeorge.ca, or the cityofpg app
- Water restriction exemptions: 250-561-7550
- Water meters and plumbing permits: Development Services, 250-561-7611
Related: garbage and recycling, permits and licences, snow and roads.
Common questions
When can I water my lawn in Prince George?
Homes with even house numbers sprinkle on even-numbered dates, and odd numbers on odd dates. In most of the city, sprinkling isn’t allowed from noon to 5 p.m. In Western Acres the no-sprinkling window is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rules apply all year.
Is Prince George tap water safe to drink?
Yes. The City draws groundwater from wells and aquifers, chlorinates it following Northern Health guidelines, monitors chlorine daily and sends regular samples to accredited labs.
Who pays to fix a water service leak?
The City owns the main, the service connection and the curb stop valve. The homeowner owns the line from the curb stop to the house. Leaks on your side must be repaired at your cost within 10 working days.
What do I do if my pipes freeze?
Check that your main shut-off is open and there’s no leak, then call a plumber or carefully warm the frozen section with a heating pad or hair dryer while the tap is open. Never use an open flame.
Can I get a water meter for my house?
Yes, through the Volunteer Residential Water Meter Program. The City supplies the meter; you pay for the plumbing permit and a certified plumber to install it. Once installed, it can’t be removed.
Sources
Official links
More in city services
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- Garbage, recycling and the landfillHow curbside garbage and recycling work in Prince George: cart sizes and costs, set-out times, bear rules and where to take what the cart won’t.
- Property taxes and utility billsPrince George property tax and utility due dates, how to pay, the home owner grant, MyCity accounts, utility rates and what if you fall behind.
- Snow clearing, winter parking and roadsHow Prince George plows its streets, when your road gets cleared, winter parking rules, spring sweeping, road closures and reporting potholes.
- Getting around by busA practical guide to Prince George Transit: fares, Umo, passes, handyDART, free-ride days, trip planning and service alerts.
- Parking downtown and around the hospitalParking in Prince George: free three-hour street parking, downtown lots and parkades, monthly and residential permits, paying or disputing tickets.
