The province has elevated east Vancouver Island to provincial drought Level 5 from Level 4.
Since late spring, higher-than-normal temperatures, combined with an extensive period with little or no precipitation has resulted in unprecedented stress on freshwater resources. Drought season core indicators include 30-day precipitation and seven-day average stream flow.
As a proactive approach to conserve essential water in the face of ongoing drought conditions, the Regional District of Nanaimo announced a move to Stage 4 watering restrictions for the nine RDN water service areas.
City of Parksville say they continue to monitor water consumption levels daily.
“We are currently in a fortunate position to maintain current operating levels and continue to meet demands. For now, based on our current level of consumption, the city will remain at Stage 3 watering restrictions,” read a release from city manager of communications Deb Tardiff. “Stage 3, which came into effect on June 28, encourages voluntary water conservation by our residents. We recognize a comprehensive watering ban (Stage 4 watering restrictions) would be a hardship for our residents and appreciate the efforts of residents to voluntarily conserve water, particularly discretionary outdoor water use. Once again, we are asking residents to conserve water wherever possible as water conservation efforts are essential to our future supply.”
The release continued: “We encourage residents to further reduce all non-essential outdoor water use, including curtailing lawn watering and refrain from washing cars or outdoor surfaces. If water demand does not decrease under these voluntary measures, it may prompt a move to a Stage 4 comprehensive outdoor watering ban to ensure essential water needs for household use, fire protection and environmental river flows can be met.”
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Stage 3 watering restrictions are as follows:
• Residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce watering of lawns to avoid potential future watering ban if City water demands cannot be managed.
• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions.
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days. Watering times are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a maximum of two hours watering per day. However, Stage 3 asks residents to reduce watering times within these times.
Detailed information about water restrictions may be viewed on the city’s website. The city is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. For helpful tips on saving water and information on local watering restrictions, visit teamwatersmart.ca.
— NEWS Staff, submitted