The Comox Valley Regional District says emergency water pipe repair is needed in the middle of April. A Stage four water restriction will be in place from April 12 – 22 for users of the Comox Valley Water System. Photo courtesy CBC.
Stage four restrictions will be in place starting next Friday for users of the Comox Valley water system, with emergency pipe repair taking place.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) says from April 12 to 22, all use of water for a purpose other than drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene is prohibited during Stage four restrictions, to ensure enough reservoir water for firefighting and indoor use.
The restrictions apply to Comox, Courtenay, Arden, Comox Valley, England Road, Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent water local service areas.
CVRD General Manager of Engineering Services Marc Rutten says a major repair is needed due to a significant leak in the main transmission pipe for the Comox Valley.
“To isolate the leak, water has been redirected through a smaller back-up pipe. Mandatory water restrictions are necessary to ensure water demands during this time are not greater than the pipe’s capacity,” Rutten said in a statement.
The district says repairs in mid-April will include a diver having to get in the most difficult access section of the pipe under the Puntlede River to weld.
Residents face up to a $500 fine if found using water prohibitied under Stage four restrictions, which include:
- watering lawns, gardens, plants and trees in any manner or by any means, including watering by hand;
- filling or topping off or operating residential or commercial pools, hot tubs or ponds or fountains;
- operating local government outdoor water parks and pools;
- washing vehicles, boats or outdoor surfaces;
- irrigating golf courses and other public and/or school district property
“Without Stage four restrictions, the secondary line will not be able to handle the forecasted water demand,” Rutten said.
“Non-compliance will make demands on the pipe untenable and the system may not be able to supply the water needed for indoor and firefighting use.”
The CVRD asks residents to report infractions to bylaw enforcement officials in Courtenay and Comox.
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