With warmer temperatures being forecast, a number of municipalities and districts are implementing water-use restrictions.
Regional District of Nanaimo said all nine of its water service areas will enter into Stage 2 watering restrictions effective Wednesday, May 1, according to a press release, meaning residents of 0dd-numbered addresses can water their lawns on odd-number days, while even-numbered addresses can do so on even-number days. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m. and the restrictions will be in effect from May through September, unless the RDN indicates otherwise.
Other areas entering into Stage 2 include the City of Nanaimo, North Cedar Improvement District and Southwest Extension Waterworks District.
“Stage 2 restrictions target automated sprinkler systems, to ensure they are operated efficiently and not wastefully,” the RDN release notes. “Hand-watering, drip irrigation and micro irrigation can continue at any time. Vegetable and food gardens are exempt from the restrictions. Washing vehicles and outdoor surfaces is still permitted, as is filling fountains, hot tubs and pools.”
The RDN water service areas are Nanoose Bay Peninsula, Englishman River Community (River’s Edge), French Creek/Sandpiper, San Pareil, Whisky Creek, Westurne Heights, Melrose Terrace, Decourcey (Pylades) and Surfside.
The District of Lantzville will enter into Stage 1 restrictions Wednesday, May 1, which entails night-time watering of lawns between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Lantzville will enter Stage 2 on June 1.