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New Outdoor Water Conservation Level 3 Now in Effect in the Regional District of Nanaimo

New Outdoor Water Conservation Level 3 Now in Effect in the Regional District of Nanaimo

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2024-07-17

Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo

Location: Nanaimo

New mandatory Level 3 outdoor watering restrictions are now in effect for customers in all Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Water Service Areas (WSAs) except for Decourcey Water Service Area, which remains at Stage 4. Affected WSAs are Nanoose Bay Peninsula, River’s Edge, French Creek/Sandpiper, Surfside, San Pareil, Whiskey Creek, Westurne Heights, Melrose Terrace and Decourcey (Pylades).

The RDN recently adopted updates to the Water Conservation Framework. In Level 3, lawn watering is now limited to one day per week with odd-numbered houses on Mondays and even-numbered houses on Thursdays. This change to Level 3 will help reduce water use and preserve our collective water resource as drought conditions become more severe.

The Government of BC currently lists Eastern Vancouver Island at Drought Level 3 “Adverse Impacts Possible” and is calling for reduced water use. Despite some rain in June, the recent heat wave and a below-average snowpack have pushed the region into drought conditions. Water flow in the region’s creeks and streams is low, and fire risk is a concern for the rest of the summer if the dry weather persists. Conserving water now ensures we have what we need for essential household use, fire protection, stream flows for fish and irrigation purposes.

Additional changes to the Water Conservation Framework include:

  • Extend the restriction period from April 1 – October 31

Extending the restriction period to the end of October responds to the trend of longer, hotter summers and aligns the drought season with water conservation measures.

  • Car/boat washing with a shut-off nozzle is now allowed in Level 4
    Boat and car washing is not a significant factor in seasonal water shortages. For safety and maintenance purposes, it is allowed on odd/even watering day schedules.
  • Changing the name to “Regional Outdoor Water Conservation Framework”

Most of the increased water use during the summer months is outdoor water use, such as lawn sprinkling or filling pools. The focus on conservation recognizes the demands and stresses on our shared water resource and its importance to aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, celebrating cultural significance, recreational activities and more.

It is critical that we conserve water. Level 3 offers residents flexible options to further cut back on their water use including:

  • Avoid washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily, unless for safety reasons (windows and headlights).
  • Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks with a broom rather than using a hose or power washing.
  • Fix or replace old, inefficient or leaking irrigation systems.
  • Add mulch/topsoil to flower beds to help retain water and shorten sprinkler run times.

Vegetable garden watering and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions.

Water system capacity and conditions vary across the region. Not all water providers will be moving to Stage 3 on July 16. Please refer to the water conservation table on the following page for watering restrictions by location and visit your water provider’s website for more 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. Our water is a shared resource, thank you for doing your part!