Elevated watering restrictions in some areas of the region

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2019-06-13

Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo

Location: Nanaimo, BC

On Friday, June 14, 2019, Stage 3 Water Restrictions will be implemented in response to the drought conditions and long-range forecast indicating stress on our region’s water sources, the nine water service areas operated by the Regional District of Nanaimo (Nanoose Bay Peninsula, Englishman River Community [River’s Edge], French Creek / Sandpiper, San Pareil, Whisky Creek, Westurne Heights, Melrose Terrace, Decourcey [Pylades], and Surfside), the City of Parksville, EPCOR French Creek, and North Cedar Improvement District.

Last Friday June 7, 2019, the Province of British Columbia elevated the Vancouver Island Drought Ranking to “Level 3 – Very Dry.” This comes in response to lower than normal groundwater levels and low flows in most rivers and streams due to dry weather conditions since March of this year. Snowpack accumulation was less than normal this winter and melted several weeks early due to warm spring weather. Long-range forecasts project a warmer and drier than average summer ahead. The province is asking for increased water conservation, particularly discretionary outdoor water use.

Stage 3 Watering Restrictions call for voluntary further reductions in water use on top of the Stage 2 requirements. For many water systems in the region, Stage 2 Watering Restrictions (even or odd day watering with a two-hour maximum) have been in effect since May 1, 2019.

Reducing outdoor water use is necessary for ensuring that we can continue to meet water demands for essential household consumption, fire protection, and environmental flows can be met as we are faced with local drought conditions. If water demand does not decrease under Stage 3, it will prompt a move to Stage 4, a comprehensive outdoor watering ban, in order to achieve the needed conservation.

Here are some helpful ways to cut back on water use while in Stage 3:

• Reduce lawn irrigation on your property by decreasing sprinkler run times, cutting back on the number of watering days and refraining from sprinkling certain lawn areas. Lawns naturally go dormant in the summer months and return with fall rains.
• Avoid washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily, unless for safety reasons.
• Sweep outdoor surfaces with a broom rather than using a hose or power washer.
• Retrofit old, inefficient irrigation systems.
• Add mulch/topsoil to aid in landscape water retention to support decreased sprinkling.

Drought conditions effect locations within our region differently, with small water systems being the most vulnerable. Please see the table below for watering restrictions by location. A map of water service areas, including their current watering restrictions, can be viewed at www.rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map. For tips on water conservation, visit www.teamwatersmart.ca.

 Contact:               Water Services / Drinking Water & Watershed Protection

250-390-6560

waterprotection@rdn.bc.ca