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.
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.
We have had record rainfall in the Parksville area this past week. When will the Stage 4 water restriction be lifted?
Bob Merrell
asked
over 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
over 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
almost 2 years 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
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
almost 3 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
almost 3 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?
Outdoor Water Conservation Framework
