Regional District of Nanaimo Downgrades Watering Restrictions

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2023-10-10

Organization Name: Regional District of Nanaimo

Location: Nanaimo

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has downgraded watering restrictions from Stage 4 to Stage 3 effective Thursday, October 5, 2023, except for Decourcey and Surfside RDN Water Service Areas which remain at Stage 4 due to operational needs. The recent rainfall has provided a slight increase in stream flows and curbed outdoor water demand in our communities. Under Stage 3 restrictions, limited lawn watering and outdoor and vehicle washing are allowed but residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water wherever possible as the shift in conditions has not fully alleviated the ongoing drought.

Here are some ways residents can support water conservation in Stage 3:

• Limit watering run times, limit the number of watering days and refrain from sprinkling certain lawn areas.
• Limit washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily.
• Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks rather than using a hose or power washing where possible.
• Retrofit old, inefficient appliances and fix leaking irrigation systems.
• Top up mulch/topsoil to aid in landscape water retention.

The drought rating for Eastern Vancouver Island remains high and harmful impacts to ecosystems are still possible due to seasonally low stream flows. October is a critical time for aquatic life such as salmon that require higher water levels to migrate to their freshwater spawning grounds. Our water is a shared resource, thank you for doing your part!

Water system capacity and conditions vary across the region. 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.