Water Conservation

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.

Water Conservation Level 4 Now in Effect
As of July 3, 2026
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.

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

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.

Water Conservation Level 4 Now in Effect
As of July 3, 2026
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.

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

  • 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: 07 Jul 2026, 09:42 AM