Regional District of Nanaimo Moves to Stage 4 Watering Restrictions

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2022-10-05

Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo

Location: Nanaimo

Effective October 4, all Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Water Service Areas are under Stage 4 watering restrictions. On September 30, the Province of BC elevated east Vancouver Island and other areas in the province to provincial Drought Level 4. These drought conditions have resulted in low flow levels in river and stream systems throughout the RDN and have delayed the recharge of the aquifers that the RDN’s water systems rely on. Stage 4 watering restrictions remain in effect until further notice as warm, dry weather forecasts are expected for at least a few more weeks and aquifers in the region may take extra time to recharge when the rain eventually arrives.

Stage 4 watering restrictions include a ban on all lawn watering activities and residents are not permitted to wash vehicles, boats or siding, nor fill fountains, pools or hot tubs. This comprehensive ban on outdoor water use is required to ensure that the community’s essential water needs are met for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection. Hand watering, where allowed, must be done using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shutoff device. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions, even Stage 4.

Private wells are not subject to these watering restrictions, but conservation is encouraged as water is a shared resource.

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