Water in the Community

Permanent Water Fountains

Water fountains found in Richmond parks and other public areas ensure residents and visitors have ready access to free, safe drinking water throughout the community.

The City’s 39 permanent water fountains are tested and inspected regularly to ensure they provide high-quality drinking water. They are turned off in cold-weather months to prevent freezing and costly damage, and are turned back on in the spring.

The City launched a permanent water fountain upgrade program in 2023, replacing older fountains with new models that also incorporate a water bottle-filling station with the aim of reducing the usage of single-use plastic bottles. Some of the fountains also include ground-level spouts to keep pets hydrated.

Portable Water Fountains

Four portable drinking water units are used at numerous community events, providing the public with access to free, potable water and promoting drinking tap water instead of buying bottled water. The portable fountains are deployed at a variety of popular community happenings, such as the Steveston Salmon Festival and Richmond Maritime Festival.

The City also maintains a number of drinking water fountains that can be attached to the tops of fire hydrants. These units provide an alternative potable water source at events or camps where other service options are not available or practical.

In response to recurring extreme hot weather, Water Services staff designed and built misting stations that can be placed at a water source, such as a fire hydrant, and provide a way for people to cool down.

In coordination with the City’s Emergency Programs, misting stations are regularly deployed during extreme high temperature events to provide heat relief in parks and popular outdoor locations, such as Minoru Plaza and Garry Point Park.

Misting stations are also deployed outside of extreme heat events throughout the City to provide the public with a fun way to keep cool while out and about in the community.

Water Services staff operate the City’s mobile emergency water treatment trailer for use during a major emergency when the City’s water is contaminated or unavailable. The unit provides a supply of safe, drinkable water in the event of a disruption to regular service and can be used to respond to both large-scale emergencies and smaller, neighbourhood-contained incidents.

Water Services staff conduct extensive annual maintenance on the City’s 5,000-plus fire hydrants to ensure they are ready to provide large volumes of water during firefighting efforts.

The trailer was designed considering factors such as extreme weather events, earthquakes and sudden loss of clean water from Metro Vancouver. It is regularly maintained and tested by Water Services staff to ensure that the City is ready to deliver clean, safe water for Richmond residents during an emergency.