Water Conservation in the City

June 13, 2025

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