Level 2 Water Conservation Effective May 1

April 23, 2026

NEWS RELEASE

Water conservation level 2 will be in effect from May 1 to October 31 unless otherwise advised.

Parksville has two reliable water sources: groundwater wells and an intake at the Englishman River. The City’s water system provides safe drinking water to homes and businesses and manages flow releases from the Arrowsmith Dam to supplement Englishman River base flows during drier months. Domestic demand peaks in dry summer months when precipitation is lowest. The City can meet drinking water and fire protection needs, but dry conditions strain the system and local ecology. Summer outdoor use increases treated-water demand by more than 50% compared to winter, mainly from lawn watering, pool filling and outdoor washing.

Sufficient water capacity - The City has enough capacity to serve residents and businesses, with plans to expand treatment and transmission as growth occurs. The Arrowsmith Dam fills in wetter months and is drawn down in summer to support environmental flows for fish and riparian habitat.

Provincial regulation - From June 1 to October 31, through the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City operates under a Province of BC order that regulates releases from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. Because stored water is finite and summers are longer and drier, the City may need to reduce daily releases to extend supply. Any reduction requires provincial approval, and the enabling order sets when conservation levels must be implemented to support in-stream fish habitat in the Englishman River.

Making a positive impact - Small steps make a difference. Conservation guidelines help reduce excess outdoor use and manage demand during the busy summer season and, if needed, during emergencies. Conservation is the simplest way to reduce summer stress on our ecosystem. Let’s Talk Parksville provides tips to help you reduce water use. Thanks for doing your part.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR WATER CONSERVATION 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 Communications
communications@parksville.ca; 250 954-3073