All Regional District of Nanaimo water service areas are introducing water conservation Level 3 sprinkling regulations effective Saturday (June 6).
Reduced water use at this time will help ensure a stable water supply this summer, according to a press release from the regional district. Drought conditions, predictions of a warmer and drier summer, and a record low snow pack in local mountains have resulted in the need to increase water use restrictions.
When Level 3 regulations are in effect, residents are permitted to water for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening, every other day. Watering is only allowed between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
During Level 3 restrictions, residents are not permitted to wash driveways or sidewalks, and must use a hose equipped with a shutoff device for vehicle and boat washing. Use of decorative fountains is only permitted if re-circulated water is used. Filling of residential swimming pools, wading pools, garden ponds and decorative fountains is not permitted.
Watering outside of the regulated period puts the water system and your neighbors at risk. The largest demand on all water systems is lawn irrigation. The RDN suggests allowing your lawn to go brown will significantly reduce risks to your water supply and will help ensure we can provide adequate supplies to all residents.
The RDN will remain on water conservation Level 3 in all RDN water service areas until further notice. For more information, please call 250-390-6560 or visit www.rdn.bc.ca and click on Services/ Water & Utility Services.