diff --git a/ceilometer/opts.py b/ceilometer/opts.py
index 27a7be4412..986ea3ec5f 100644
--- a/ceilometer/opts.py
+++ b/ceilometer/opts.py
@@ -90,6 +90,8 @@ def list_opts():
             cfg.FloatOpt(
                 'check_watchers',
                 default=10.0,
+                deprecated_for_removal=True,
+                deprecated_reason='This parameter is no longer used.',
                 help='Number of seconds between checks to see if group '
                 'membership has changed'),
         ]),
diff --git a/releasenotes/notes/bug-1929178-a8243526ce2311f7.yaml b/releasenotes/notes/bug-1929178-a8243526ce2311f7.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..4ce215dc9a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/releasenotes/notes/bug-1929178-a8243526ce2311f7.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+deprecations:
+  - |
+    The ``[coordination] check_watchers`` parameter has been deprecated since
+    it has been ineffective.