Comprehensive Water Ban - Water Conservation Efforts Essential
July 30, 2025
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
