Coquitlam Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coquitlam Lake |
|
|---|---|
 Coquitlam Lake
Location in British Columbia
|
|
| Location | North of Coquitlam, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°24′N 122°47′W / 49.400°N 122.783°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Coquitlam River |
| Primary outflows | Coquitlam River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 11 km2 (4.2 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 154 m (505 ft) |
| Islands | Coquitlam Island |
Coquitlam Lake is a large reservoir located just north of Coquitlam, British Columbia. A reservoir is like a big, artificial lake where water is stored. This lake is super important for many people in the area.
It is one of the three main water sources for Metro Vancouver. This means it helps provide clean drinking water to many homes and businesses. The lake is also part of the Coquitlam watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into one main body of water, like a lake or river.
Coquitlam Lake also plays a role in making electricity. It is part of BC Hydro's power generation system. BC Hydro is the main electric utility in British Columbia. Water from the lake travels through a special tunnel to nearby Buntzen Lake. From Buntzen Lake, the water then goes to power stations. These stations use the moving water to create electricity for homes and cities.
Contents
How Coquitlam Lake Helps Us
Coquitlam Lake does two very important jobs for the people of British Columbia. It provides clean drinking water and helps create electricity.
Supplying Clean Water
The water from Coquitlam Lake is carefully managed to ensure it is safe to drink. It goes through treatment processes before it reaches your tap. This makes sure the water is clean and healthy for everyone. Protecting the Coquitlam watershed is key to keeping this water supply pure.
Generating Power
The lake's water is also used to make hydroelectricity. This is a type of power made from the force of moving water. A long tunnel carries water from Coquitlam Lake to Buntzen Lake. From there, the water flows down to powerhouses. Inside these powerhouses, the rushing water spins large machines called turbines. These turbines then power generators that create electricity. This electricity helps light up homes and power businesses in the region.
A Look Back: Building the Lake's Structures
The story of Coquitlam Lake's role in providing water and power began over a hundred years ago.
The First Tunnel and Dam
Work on a tunnel connecting Coquitlam Lake and Buntzen Lake started in 1902. It was a big project that took three years to finish, wrapping up in 1905. This tunnel was built to send water to powerhouses located on Indian Arm. These powerhouses then supplied electricity to the growing city of Vancouver.
Around the same time, the first Coquitlam Dam was built. Construction began in April 1904 and was completed in 1905. This dam was designed to raise the water level of the lake by about 5 feet (1.5 meters). Its main purpose was to protect the water supply for the powerhouses. It also helped provide water to the city of New Westminster.
Fixing the Dam
After the first dam was built, engineers discovered a problem. By 1906, it was found that the original dam was leaking water. Workers tried to fix the leaks, but the problem continued through 1908.
Because the leaks kept happening, a new, stronger dam was needed. The construction of the current dam began. This new dam was much more robust and was finally completed in 1914. This modern dam has been working ever since to safely hold the lake's water. It continues to help provide both drinking water and electricity to the region.
