Stage 3 water restrictions will come into effect for nine smaller water service areas in the Regional District of Nanaimo starting Thursday.
These restrictions, built upon the previous level of water restrictions, cut back on water usage.
The district is asking residents of Nanoose Bay Peninsula, River’s Edge, French Creek/Sandpiper, Surfside, San Pareil, Whiskey Creek, Westurne Heights, Melrose Terrace and Pylades to:
- Reduce lawn irrigation
- Avoid washing vehicles or boats
- Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks with a broom rather than using a hose or power washing
- Retrofit old, inefficient or leaking irrigation systems
- Add mulch/topsoil to aid in landscape water retention so you can decrease sprinkler run times.
“What it essentially means is, Stage 4 is probably coming,” said Murray Walters, the District’s manager of water services. “It’s really a flag to say things are not good in the natural environment, and it’s probably coming — in a nutshell.”
RELATED: Stage 2 water restrictions to be implemented in Regional District of Nanaimo May 1
All of the restrictions from the previous stage remain in place, according to the district in a release.
Those with even-numbered addresses may run their sprinklers and water their lawns on even days, and vice-versa for odd-numbered homes.
Sprinkling is only permitted for a maximum of two hours, either between 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m.
One exception will be the Decourcey Water Service Area, which will remain under Stage 4 restrictions — prohibiting the watering of lawns, filling pools, and washing vehicles, among other things, at all times.
Additionally, vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from this restriction.
“The Province of B.C. currently lists Eastern Vancouver Island at Drought Level 3 ‘Adverse Impacts Possible’ and is calling for voluntary reduction of water use,” the district said.
While many water service areas will be going into Stage 3 on June 15, some won’t.
The City of Nanaimo, the District of Lantzville and Bowser Waterworks will all remain at Stage 2.
Qualicum Beach will remain at Stage 1, while the Deep Bay Improvement District and the Horne Lake Waterworks will continue to have no restrictions.
For a more in-depth map of all water restrictions taking place, visit the RDN’s website.
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