Water Conservation

FAQ's: Water Conservation and Development

Outdoor Water Conservation Framework

Parksville is fortunate to have two reliable water sources: a system of groundwater wells and an intake at the Englishman River. The City’s water system has two key functions: to provide clean, safe drinking water to homes and businesses, and to manage release of flow from the Arrowsmith Dam to supplement base flow conditions in the Englishman River during drier months.

Domestic water demand typically peaks during the dry summer months when we receive the least amount of rain. The City has sufficient capacity in the drinking water system to meet domestic use and fire protection needs; however, the system and our local ecology are challenged during drier months, which coincides with increased residential consumption of treated water by more than 50% compared to winter months. This increase in use is related to watering of lawns, filling pools, and outdoor washing.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the city operates through a Province of BC order which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order can determine when water conservation levels will be implemented to ensure a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for firefighting and fisheries. The water conservation framework may be viewed here.

Level 3 Water Conservation is in effect until further notice
Although conservation efforts are moving down to Level 3, there are still measures required as we transition into the winter months. Level 3 offers some flexibility for residents to decide where and how to cut back on water use wherever possible.

Level 1 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 2 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 3 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 4 Water Conservation Bylaw

FAQ's: Water Conservation and Development

Outdoor Water Conservation Framework

Parksville is fortunate to have two reliable water sources: a system of groundwater wells and an intake at the Englishman River. The City’s water system has two key functions: to provide clean, safe drinking water to homes and businesses, and to manage release of flow from the Arrowsmith Dam to supplement base flow conditions in the Englishman River during drier months.

Domestic water demand typically peaks during the dry summer months when we receive the least amount of rain. The City has sufficient capacity in the drinking water system to meet domestic use and fire protection needs; however, the system and our local ecology are challenged during drier months, which coincides with increased residential consumption of treated water by more than 50% compared to winter months. This increase in use is related to watering of lawns, filling pools, and outdoor washing.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the city operates through a Province of BC order which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order can determine when water conservation levels will be implemented to ensure a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for firefighting and fisheries. The water conservation framework may be viewed here.

Level 3 Water Conservation is in effect until further notice
Although conservation efforts are moving down to Level 3, there are still measures required as we transition into the winter months. Level 3 offers some flexibility for residents to decide where and how to cut back on water use wherever possible.

Level 1 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 2 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 3 Water Conservation Bylaw
Level 4 Water Conservation Bylaw

  • Website Update - Understanding Our Water System

    October 7, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    With the move to Stage 4 Watering Restrictions earlier this week and the ongoing drought affecting most of Vancouver Island, City staff wish to clarify a few points as well as inform our citizens of recent updates to our website.

    • The Ministry of Forests, under our Conditional Water Licence, ordered the City of Parksville to implement Stage 4 Watering Restrictions and provided an Enabling Order to reduce dam flows to best prolong the dam water resources to provide benefits to the river ecology. The City of Parksville is in close contact with the Ministry

    October 7, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    With the move to Stage 4 Watering Restrictions earlier this week and the ongoing drought affecting most of Vancouver Island, City staff wish to clarify a few points as well as inform our citizens of recent updates to our website.

    • The Ministry of Forests, under our Conditional Water Licence, ordered the City of Parksville to implement Stage 4 Watering Restrictions and provided an Enabling Order to reduce dam flows to best prolong the dam water resources to provide benefits to the river ecology. The City of Parksville is in close contact with the Ministry and is in compliance with the order.
    • We have had an unpredicted hot dry September and the beginning of October is continuing that trend. This caused the river base flow (all contributing sources other than dam flow) to be well below normal. Because we can release water flow from the dam, we are able to supplement the river water levels to support the ecological health of the river.
    • The quantity of water drawn in by the treatment plant is very minimal compared to the flow in the river. To help support river ecology, we have ramped down the water treatment plant production to a minimal flow and increased our well water production.
    • Our wells (groundwater source) are in a very healthy condition as stores have been recharged while we used more river water during rainier seasons. We had several of the wells artesian this year (water is overspilling from the top of the well).

    To provide as much information about our water sources, supply, and usage and address some commonly asked questions, the City website was updated with the following information:

    Arrowsmith Water Service section

    • Charts and Data (new)
      • Dam Flow and Base Flow 2017-2021
      • Monthly Water Consumption 2012-2022
      • Rainfall Records
      • River Intake and Population 2017-2022
      • Water Consumption by User 2020/2021
      • Water Consumption 2013-2021 and Restrictions
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Operation Updates – most recent ASW/ERWS bulletin

    Arrowsmith Dam section (updated)

    • Arrowsmith Dam Lake Levels
    • Dam Outflow Volumes

    Through the Arrowsmith Water Service and Englishman River Water Service Boards and Parksville City Council approval, staff are currently working on:

    • Water Resiliency Planning - As a water supplier, we strive to provide a consistent supply of the best quality and safest drinking water to our community. A critical component in providing safe drinking water is having contingency plans for unexpected emergencies. Also, as we move into hotter temperatures and longer periods without rain, we need to expand public water education and conservation campaigns. In 2023, City staff will undertake water resiliency planning. The objective of the planning process is to review the assumptions made in the existing water supply plan, outline measures to mitigate against the impacts of climate change and provide alternative supply sources, respond and recover from various types of emergency events as quickly and efficiently as possible, and protect the ecological systems from which we draw water.
    • Five-year Fish Monitoring Plan - The program is required as part of the post-construction commitment with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The purpose is to ensure measures and standards are in place and conducted according to the conditions of the authorization/permit during operations to protect fish habitat. The intent is to monitor and report on the effects of the river intake on the fish population of the Englishman River.

    For additional information about watering restrictions, please refer to Let’s Talk Parksville.

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

  • Water Conservation Efforts Essential - Comprehensive Water Ban

    October 4, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    The Province of BC recently elevated East Vancouver Island and other areas in the province to provincial Drought Level 4. The province is advising those who live in drought areas of level 3 and higher to reduce their water usage. Aligned with the provincial drought level, and following a request from our Ministry contacts, the City is moving immediately to Stage 4 Water Restrictions, a comprehensive watering ban.

    We have experienced higher than normal temperatures and this, combined with an extensive period with little or no precipitation since early July, results in adverse affects on local freshwater resources. The City is increasing well production as our groundwater reserve is in a healthy condition. This will allow the City under the Ministry’s direction to reduce, prolong, and maintain the baseflow of the Englishman River by releasing water from the Arrowsmith Dam at a controlled release rate during October. On average at this time of year, we would normally have a steady source of rain to replenish the low end of season lake reserves for ecological habitat.

    This comprehensive ban on outdoor watering is required to ensure essential water needs are met for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection priorities. Stage 4 Watering Restrictions include 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. Stage 4 Watering Restrictions remain in effect until further notice as warm, dry weather forecasts are expected for at least a few more weeks and aquifers in the region may take extra time to recharge when the rain eventually arrives.

    Detailed information about City of Parksville watering restrictions may be viewed on our website. Details on water consumption, river flows etc. will be updated later this week. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs.

    October 4, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    The Province of BC recently elevated East Vancouver Island and other areas in the province to provincial Drought Level 4. The province is advising those who live in drought areas of level 3 and higher to reduce their water usage. Aligned with the provincial drought level, and following a request from our Ministry contacts, the City is moving immediately to Stage 4 Water Restrictions, a comprehensive watering ban.

    We have experienced higher than normal temperatures and this, combined with an extensive period with little or no precipitation since early July, results in adverse affects on local freshwater resources. The City is increasing well production as our groundwater reserve is in a healthy condition. This will allow the City under the Ministry’s direction to reduce, prolong, and maintain the baseflow of the Englishman River by releasing water from the Arrowsmith Dam at a controlled release rate during October. On average at this time of year, we would normally have a steady source of rain to replenish the low end of season lake reserves for ecological habitat.

    This comprehensive ban on outdoor watering is required to ensure essential water needs are met for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection priorities. Stage 4 Watering Restrictions include 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. Stage 4 Watering Restrictions remain in effect until further notice as warm, dry weather forecasts are expected for at least a few more weeks and aquifers in the region may take extra time to recharge when the rain eventually arrives.

    Detailed information about City of Parksville watering restrictions may be viewed on our website. Details on water consumption, river flows etc. will be updated later this week. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs.

  • City of Parksville Moves to Stage 2 Watering Restrictions on May 1

    April 25, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    On May 1, the City of Parksville will move to Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions. 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 further notice.

    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.

    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.

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

    April 25, 2022

    LINK TO PDF

    On May 1, the City of Parksville will move to Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions. 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 further notice.

    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.

    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.

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

Page last updated: 19 Oct 2026, 12:31 PM