Regional District of Nanaimo Releases Moves to Stage 2 Watering Restrictions May 1

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2022-04-26

Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo

Location: Nanaimo

On May 1, 2022, Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions come into effect for customers in all Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Water Service Areas except for Decourcey Water Service Area which will remain at Stage 4. Stage 2 watering restrictions will be in effect until further notice and mean that sprinkling can only occur on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Vegetable garden watering and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions.

The region experienced below average rainfall in January, February, and March, but has seen April rains at slightly above normal amounts. Winter snowpack accumulation dipped slightly below average during the month of March but has recently recovered to normal seasonal levels with snow accumulation during the second half of April. Our snowpack helps store winter precipitation at elevation and contributes to streamflow and groundwater as it melts. Forecasts indicate the potential for below-normal rain and above-normal temperatures this spring. With the prospect of a dry summer ahead, proactive water conservation measures must be taken now to meet future water demands for essential household use, fire protection, irrigation purposes and environmental flows.

Water system capacity and conditions vary across the region. Not all water providers will be moving to Stage 2 on May 1. Please refer to the accompanying table for watering restrictions by location and visit your respective water provider’s website for more details and current information.

A map of water service areas, including their current watering restrictions, can be viewed at rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map. For tips on water conservation, visit teamwatersmart.ca.