Water restrictions are set to increase at the start of next week in the Comox Valley Regional District as a result of continued dry weather and hot temperatures.
The CVRD will enter Stage 3 water restrictions beginning Monday, August 16, 2021. This means that residents in the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area will no longer be able to water their lawn or garden with a sprinkler at any time.
Residents will also be prohibited from using a pressure washer, filling a swimming pool, hot tub or garden pond, or washing a vehicle or boat.
Watering trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables will be allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. only if watering is done by a hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, micro-irrigation or drip-irrigation systems.
As a result of the dry weather, BC Hydro is reducing water flows down the Puntledge River to ensure there is enough water available to keep the river flowing for fish habitat and migration until the fall rains arrive.
“This change in water flow triggers us to move to Stage 3 restrictions,” explained Mike Herschmiller, Manager of Water Services for the Comox Valley Regional District. “We appreciate the community’s conservation efforts at this time to help ensure there is enough water available for domestic needs and fire protection.”
Despite the completion of the new water treatment project, the CVRD’s water use agreement with BC Hydro is still directly tied to water storage in the reservoir and Puntledge River flow.
For more details about permitted and prohibited activities under Stage 3 visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.
CHEK News
