Water Conservation

New Outdoor Water Conservation Framework
In response to unprecedented drought years, City of Parksville staff met with regional water purveyors to review and propose improvements to the City’s water framework in place since 2016. The new framework approved by Council in February 2025 through Water Service System Bylaw 1320, responds to changing conditions, the impacts of these conditions, public response, and water system requirements.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City operates through an order from the Province of BC which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order determines 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.

Please refer to the new water conservation framework for details.


From November 1 to March 31, unless otherwise
notified, the City does not implement
seasonal
water conservation measures.

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

New Outdoor Water Conservation Framework
In response to unprecedented drought years, City of Parksville staff met with regional water purveyors to review and propose improvements to the City’s water framework in place since 2016. The new framework approved by Council in February 2025 through Water Service System Bylaw 1320, responds to changing conditions, the impacts of these conditions, public response, and water system requirements.

From June 1 to October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the City operates through an order from the Province of BC which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir. The provincial enabling order determines 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.

Please refer to the new water conservation framework for details.


From November 1 to March 31, unless otherwise
notified, the City does not implement
seasonal
water conservation measures.

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

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  • We have had record rainfall in the Parksville area this past week. When will the Stage 4 water restriction be lifted?

    Bob Merrell asked about 1 year ago

    Information will be posted to our website this morning to advise all restrictions will be lifted effective November 1. Water conservation levels are directed by the province and relate to flows in the Englishman River.

  • Could you let me know when level 4 watering restrictions started in 2022 and in 2023?

    Peter Crompton asked about 1 year ago

    Hello, as requested - October 4, 2022 and July 5, 2023. Anything else, do let us know.

  • Are water restrictions still in place for parksville

    NJ asked about 1 year ago

    Yes, until further notice, stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect for the City of Parksville. Here is a link to the news release on our website https://www.parksville.ca/cms/wpattachments/wpID135atID12070.pdf which explains the reason for Stage 4. You will also find details including the bylaw on Let's Talk Parksville.

  • as an even number house do i water thursdays once a week, or on even days here in parksville

    doreen asked over 1 year ago

    At this time, the City is at stage 2 watering restriction https://www.parksville.ca/cms/wpattachments/wpID377atID7214.pdf which allows every other day watering (even/odd)

  • September 27th,2023 Hello ,..my question is the following,.... can the residents of Parksville resume washing cars /filling hot tubs etc...as of October 1,2023,.. the website only says water restrictions in effect April till October. I know this may seem a silly question ( and if so please forgive me as I want to make sure that I am following City guidelines / protocols ), however that being said does this mean April 1st, ( or April 30th) till October 1st ,. or October 31st Please advise Best regards James

    JMC asked about 2 years ago

    Stage 4 watering restrictions remain in effect until further notice so no washing of cars, filling of hot tubs, etc for a while yet. The three days of rain have not been enough and the province drought rating remains at Level 5 (the highest level) for eastern Vancouver Island. 

  • I see that you are using city trucks to water in the city. They have signs on them saying , not potable water (or similar wording). Where is the non- potable water coming from?

    Rose asked over 2 years ago

    The non-potable water comes from a well in the industrial park. Where possible, we have used this as a source for outdoor watering for many years.

  • Is there a way to cut back on the excess waste of water the city irrigation systems are currently causing?

    Kturk asked over 2 years ago

    when you have a few minutes, please review the information at this link. https://www.parksville.ca/cms/wpattachments/wpID135atID11294.pdf 

Page last updated: 29 Oct 2025, 04:43 PM