Metrotown Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Greater Vancouver Water District supplies Metrotown, also known as Burnaby, and other communities in the Lower Mainland. Its water originates from the Seymour River, Capilano River, and Coquitlam Lake reservoirs, all located within the Coast Mountains watershed. These sources are fed by rain and snowmelt, with water undergoing treatment at facilities located at each reservoir. This system provides water to more than 2.7 million people across the Metro Vancouver regional district.

The Coast Mountains watershed is characterized by its granitic and metamorphic bedrock, dating back to the Mesozoic era. Unlike areas with significant limestone or dolomite deposits, this geology means precipitation has minimal contact with mineral-dissolving rocks. Consequently, the water drawn from this region is naturally very soft, a characteristic maintained through the treatment process before it reaches consumers' taps.

Because the water is soft, homeowners in Metrotown will likely notice less scale buildup on appliances like water heaters and in their plumbing systems. You'll also find that soaps and detergents lather more easily, meaning you might use less product. While the utility adjusts the water's pH to about 7.5 to prevent corrosion, residents generally don't need to invest in a water softening system for their homes.