Numerous factors threaten the flow and quality of water in the Coquitlam River: urban development and diking, population growth, the effects of climate change, and a hydroelectric dam flow management regime that has had a negative impact on fish. As populations in the area increase, so will the demand for drinking water; and drought conditions caused by climate change will likely exacerbate environmental flow issues.
Fortunately, there are a number of actions that local, provincial and First Nations governments can take to help increase flows in the Lower Coquitlam River.
This report prepared for the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable and Watershed Watch Salmon Society provides a series of recommendations for municipal, regional and the provincial governments to follow to support the health of the Lower Coquitlam River Watershed.