Water Conservation

August 6, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Effective August 1 and until further notice, the City of Parksville along with the Regional District of Nanaimo water service areas are now at Level 4 water conservation.

The City’s operations department reviewed the 355 irrigation zones around the City and assessed each zone individually. Zones historically have not been set up to water just grass, just gardens or just trees which makes the assessment challenging. There are many zones where it is not possible to isolate different watering needs so care will be taken as complete shutoff has the potential to destroy trees and vegetation at a cost to the City.

For the public’s information, here are our first steps to reduce water consumption during level 4 without risking loss of trees and vegetation.

• 105 irrigation zones will be completely turned off. These are mostly turf areas but do include some trees and perennial gardens. This will be noticeable around the city.
• 146 irrigation zones will be modified to reduce water volume usage to 50%. These are areas that include garden beds, shrubs and sensitive trees.
• 46 irrigation zones on our sports fields at Springwood and Parksville Community Park will reduce water volume usage by 25% and like previous dry summers, a surfactant was applied to the turf to help retain soil moisture. The Water Service System Bylaw exempts sports fields from level 4 water conservation.
• 56 zones are unmodified as they are on drip or micro irrigation or have been damaged and under repair: generally, trees, gardens and hanging baskets.

Should further reductions be necessary, the City will look at the areas now at 50% reduction for either complete shutoff or reduce to 25%.

Detailed information about City of Parksville water conservation levels is available on Let’s Talk Parksville. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Please direct questions to the City’s bylaw compliance department at bylaw@parksville.ca.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

July 30, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Effective August 1 and until further notice, the City of Parksville has moved to Level 4 water conservation, a comprehensive watering ban.

Through an operating order, the province determines the water levels in the Englishman River that must be maintained; the City releases water from the Arrowsmith dam to meet these requirements. The amount of water released from the Arrowsmith dam along with an analysis of how long we can continue to release water, guides the implementation of conservation levels. This ensures a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for fire safety as well as in-stream fish. In late June, to prolong the release of water from the dam, the City moved to Level 3. We continue to experience a significant shortfall in precipitation and with continued drought conditions forecast, as well as low stream flows, it is necessary to move to Level 4 water conservation.

LEVEL 4 WATER CONSERVATION
Level 4 helps to ensure the community’s essential water needs for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection are met, and water flows for fish and aquatic habitats are maintained. Level 4 aims to reduce the pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought.

Outdoor watering
Level 4 includes a ban on all lawn watering activities. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from restrictions. Between 7 am and 10 am OR 7 pm and 10 pm, drip irrigation or micro irrigation and hand watering of gardens is permitted using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with shutoff device.

Washing of vehicles, RVs, boats, and buildings; filling of pools
Between 7 and 10 am OR 7 and 10 pm on assigned watering day, vehicles, RVs and boats may be washed using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle. Washing of exterior building surfaces is banned UNLESS prior to application of paint, preservative, stucco, or sealant. Filling of swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and garden pond water features is banned.

Detailed information about City of Parksville water conservation levels is available on Let’s Talk Parksville. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Please direct questions to the City’s bylaw compliance department at bylaw@parksville.ca.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

June 26, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

As a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake reservoir between June 1 and October 31. The province determines when conservation levels will be implemented to ensure a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for fire safety as well as in-stream fish. We are fortunate, the Arrowsmith reservoir is currently at full capacity. To prolong the release of water from the dam, a reduction in the flow release requires the City to implement Level 3 conservation measures effective Friday, June 27 until further notice.

Level 3 offers some flexibility for residents to decide where and how they cut back on water use and is intended to encourage residents to reduce water use where possible. The most significant change to Level 3 with the revised water framework approved earlier this year is to sprinkler watering which allows watering of lawns one day per week.

Level 3 guidelines:

• Watering days are limited to one day per week: odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered on Thursday.
• Watering of lawns with pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers is permitted one day per week only between 7 and 10 am OR 7 and 10 pm for a maximum two hours. Odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered on Thursday.
• Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees are restricted to hand-held container or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.
• Between 7 and 10 am OR 7 and 10 pm on your assigned watering day, vehicles, RVs, boats, and exterior building surfaces may be washed using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle.
• Between 7 and 10 am OR 7 and 10 pm on assigned watering day, walkways, driveways, buildings (siding), or parking lots may be washed using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle.
• Anytime on assigned watering day, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, garden ponds, and water features may be filled with water.

Please note, vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all water conservation levels as are businesses which require water for operations, essential municipal sports fields and nurseries.

RESOURCES:

• Details about the City’s water framework including conservation tips may be viewed on Let’s Talk Parksville.
• The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart program.
• Province of BC drought information.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

June 13, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Currently in place until further notice, Level 2 water restrictions come into effect on May 1 each year detailed in the City’s Water Service System Bylaw No. 1320.

As a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake reservoir between June 1 and October 31 and the province determines when conservation levels will be implemented to ensure a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for fire safety as well as in-stream fish. We are fortunate in that the Arrowsmith reservoir is currently at full capacity.

As of June 1, the provincial snowpack is averaging 44% of normal (56% below normal) and Vancouver Island is 39% of normal. Because of the low snowpack, early snowmelt and warm seasonal weather forecasts, the province is expecting there will be elevated drought levels for this coming season. As of June 12, Vancouver Island is currently rated at Drought Level 1, considered abnormally dry for this time of the year. For interest, our region saw record breaking low rainfall earlier this year - in January, there was 37mm of rain (monthly average 133.21mm) and in April, just 16.8mm of rain (monthly average 55.75mm).

Level 2 information is provided as a reminder and to encourage you to save water as much as possible. Typically, water use doubles during the summer months, placing significant strain on water supply.

Are you watering right in Level 2?

• Lawn watering is permitted on odd numbered days for odd numbered civic addresses and even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days. Watering times are 7 am to 10 am OR 7 pm to 10 pm for a maximum of two hours of total allocated watering per day. You only need one hour a week of watering for a healthy lawn!
• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions.
• Watering of ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees are restricted to hand-held container or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle if watered outside of permitted times.
• Anytime on assigned watering day, vehicles, RVs, boats, exterior building surfaces, walkways, driveways, buildings (siding), or parking lots may be washed using City supplied potable water using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle
• Anytime on assigned watering day, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, garden ponds, and water features may be filled with water.

City water conservation levels provide a coordinated approach with Regional District of Nanaimo water service providers. For details on water conservation levels and the ways you can help conserve water, visit Let’s Talk Parksville.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

April 28, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

The City of Parksville will move to water conservation level 2 on May 1 and will be in effect until October 31 unless otherwise advised. Our water use doubles during summer months due mainly to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens and washing cars and outdoor surfaces. Region-wide water use restrictions are an effective way to reduce summer demand and ensure supply for essential services. We encourage residents to conserve where possible. Taking conservation measures early, before our water supplies come under stress, is essential to ensure we can maintain an adequate water supply throughout the hot dry summers we have come to expect.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City operates through an order from the Province of BC which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order determines when water conservation levels will be implemented to ensure an adequate water supply for the Englishman River to support the in-stream fish environment and residents of Parksville.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR LEVEL 2

• Sprinkler watering - odd numbered civic addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days. Watering times are 7 am to 10 am OR 7 pm to 10 pm. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours of total allocated watering per day.
• Exemptions - Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all water conservation levels and businesses which require water for operations are also exempt.
• Watering of ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees – may be watered anytime with use of a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle if watered outside of the times permitted.

On your assigned watering day

• Vehicles, boats and buildings may be washed using City supplied potable water using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
• Sidewalks and driveways - persons may use City supplied potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways, parking lots.
• Swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and water features may be filled with water.

Detailed information about the City’s water conservation is available on the City’s website and on Let’s Talk Parksville. The City of Parksville is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Please direct questions to bylaw@parksville.ca.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communicaitons
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

February 24, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

In response to unprecedented drought years, City of Parksville staff met with regional water purveyors to review and propose improvements to the City’s water framework in place since 2016. The new framework approved by Council through Water Service System Bylaw 1320, responds to changing conditions, the impacts of these conditions, public response, and water system requirements. City conservation levels provide a coordinated approach with regional water providers who can determine the conservation levels specific to their needs.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City operates through an order from the Province of BC which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order determines when water conservation levels will be implemented to ensure an adequate water supply for the Englishman River to support the in-stream fish environment and the residents of Parksville.

Changes to the City’s new water conservation framework (included with this release) are highlighted here:

Restriction period extended to October 31.
This change responds to the trend of longer, hotter summers. In recent years, restrictions have been in place beyond the previously defined September 30 end date.

New level 3 limits watering days to one day per week; odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered houses on Thursday.
Adjusting this voluntary level to include tangible and measurable water conservation will provide clear direction to residents on how to reduce water use and provide clarity on specific actions that can be taken to limit water use should drought conditions become more severe.

New level 4 to be identical to previous stage 4 but with vehicle washing allowed when a shutoff nozzle is used.
Vehicle washing has minimal impact on our water supply and with car wash businesses open during level 4, water would be used to wash cars regardless of whether it was at home or at a car wash business.

It should be noted vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all water conservation levels as are businesses which require water for operations, essential municipal sports fields and nurseries.

Utility notices mailed to homeowners in late March will include additional details about changes to the City’s water conservation framework as well as indoor and outdoor water conservation tips. Please refer to Let’s Talk Parksville for more information.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

October 24, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

Effective November 1 in the City of Parksville, all watering restrictions will be lifted through March 31, unless otherwise advised. We wish to thank residents for your efforts to conserve water during stages 3 and 4 water conservation.

On July 16, the City received a temporary Enabling Order from the province at which time, the City moved to Stage 3 water conservation when water flow maintains below 1.6 cubic metres per second (m3s) in the Englishman River. This order also specifies when the average flow in the river falls below 1.20 m3s, we would move to Stage 4. This occurred the week of September 16 and on September 23, the City was advised by the province to immediately move to Stage 4 to comply with the order. Stage 4, a comprehensive ban, was implemented on September 23 due to low flows in the Englishman River and is in place until October 31.

Let’s Talk Parksville provides detailed information about water conservation levels including the City’s bylaw which outlines the four stages of water conservation. Please refer to Arrowsmith Water Service and Englishman River Water Service links on our website for information about the City’s water sources, supply, management, and usage, as well as some frequently asked questions and fun facts.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communcations
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

September 23, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

Effective today, September 23 and until further notice, the City of Parksville has moved to Stage 4 water conservation, a comprehensive watering ban.

On July 16,2024, the City received a temporary Enabling Order from the Province of BC at which time, the City moved to Stage 3 water conservation when water flow maintains above 1.6 cubic metres per second (m3s) in the Englishman River. This order indicated when the average flow in the Englishman River falls below 1.20 m3s, the City would move to Stage 4. This occurred over the past week, and we were advised today to immediately move to water conservation Stage 4 to comply with the Enabling Order. There has been a significant shortfall in precipitation over the summer which has continued into September. The province has requested water providers reduce water usage by implementing stricter watering conditions.

STAGE 4 WATER CONSERVATION
Stage 4 helps ensure the community’s essential water needs for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection are met, and water flows for fish and aquatic habitats are maintained. this comprehensive water ban aims to reduce the pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought.

Stage 4 includes a ban on all lawn watering activities and residents are not permitted to wash vehicles, boats, or siding, nor fill fountains, pools or hot tubs. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from Stage 4 restrictions. Between 7 am and 10 am OR 7 pm and 10 pm, drip irrigation and hand watering of gardens is permitted using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with shutoff device.

Detailed information about City of Parksville water restrictions may be viewed on our website and Let’s Talk Parksville. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs.

Please direct questions to the City’s bylaw compliance department by email to bylaw@parksville.ca.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

July 16, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

Effective immediately, the City is implementing Stage 3 water conservation measures until further notice. Stage 3 maintains the same even and odd day watering framework as Stage 2, while encouraging residents to further reduce consumption to defer a comprehensive watering ban. The Province of BC currently lists eastern Vancouver Island at Drought Level 3, “Adverse Impacts Possible” and is calling for all communities to voluntarily reduce water consumption, especially outdoor use.

We were fortunate to have a cool wet spring; however, we are now experiencing hot dry weather with no snowpack to augment surface water levels. Creeks and streams in the region have begun to experience low flow conditions and fire risk is always a concern during summer months without any significant rainfall in the forecast. By proactively conserving groundwater and surface water, we ensure water supply resiliency for essential household use, fire protection, stream flows for fish, and irrigation purposes.

The City of Parksville has several water licences issued by the province for drinking water purposes and when the Arrowsmith Dam was constructed, the City committed to releasing water to the Englishman River in drier months to add to the base flow, which is beneficial for fish and the riparian ecosystem. To prolong the release of water from the dam, a reduction in the flow release has been approved which requires the City to implement Stage 3 conservation levels.

Stage 3 offers flexibility for residents to decide where and how they cut back on water use; however, it is critical reductions are implemented. Please note watering of vegetable gardens and fruit trees and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions. Here are some ways to conserve in Stage 3.

• Reduce the lawn irrigation on your property by decreasing run times, cutting back on the number of watering days and refraining from sprinkling certain lawn areas. Lawns naturally go dormant in the summer months and return with fall rains.
• Avoid washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily, unless for safety reasons (windows and headlights).
• Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks with a broom rather than 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, being mindful of FireSmart BC principles.

RESOURCES:

• Details about the City’s water framework including conservation tips may be viewed on Let’s Talk Parksville.
• The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart program. teamwatersmart.ca.
• Province of BC drought information.
  
  

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073

April 19, 2024

NEWS RELEASE

On May 1, the City of Parksville will move to Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions. During summer months, our water use can double mainly due to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens and washing cars and outdoor surfaces. Region-wide water use restrictions are an effective way to reduce summer demand and ensure supply for essential services. We encourage all residents to conserve where possible; taking conservation measures early, before our water supplies come under stress, is essential to ensure we can maintain an adequate water supply throughout the hot dry summers we have come to expect.

Stage 2 means sprinkling can only occur on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 am to 10 am OR 7 pm to 10 pm. Stage 2 will be in effect until otherwise advised.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Sprinkler watering - odd numbered civic addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered civic addresses may water on even numbered days. Watering times are 7 am to 10 am OR 7 pm to 10 pm for a maximum of two hours of total allocated watering per day.
• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees - exempt from all watering restrictions.
• Watering of ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees - restricted to a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle if watered outside of the times permitted.
• Washing of vehicles, boats and buildings - vehicles, boats and exterior building surfaces may be washed using City supplied potable water using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
• Washing of sidewalks and driveways - persons may use City supplied potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways or parking lots.
• Swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and water features - may be filled with water.

Please note vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions and businesses which require water for operations are also exempt.

Detailed information about the City’s water restrictions is available on the City’s website. The City of Parksville is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Please direct questions to bylaw@parksville.ca.

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073