Given the dry conditions, Parksville and the Regional District of Nanaimo have moved to stage 4 water restrictions until further notice in an effort to preserve water.
Stage 4 restrictions include:
- No lawn sprinkling of any kind, including newly seeded and sodded lawns
- No washing vehicles, RVs and boats
- No washing driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and exterior building surfaces
- No filling swimming pools, hot tubs and garden pond water features
The restrictions are a response to the B.C. government declaring all of Vancouver Island in a stage 4 drought, which means adverse impacts are likely.
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Parksville and the Regional District of Nanaimo are bringing in the restrictions to ensure essential water needs for drinking, hygiene and fire protection are met and that water can flow for fish and acquatic habitats.
“Our region is experiencing early low-flow levels in rivers and streams and the continued warmer and drier-than-seasonal conditions forecast, will likely further impact water levels well into the summer,” the city said in an email to residents. “This comprehensive water ban aims to reduce the pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought.”
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from the watering restrictions. Drip irrigation and hand watering is permitted using a hand-held container or hose with a shutoff between 7 and 10 a.m. or 7 and 10 p.m.
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Laura Brougham
