Water Use Planning

FAQ's: Water Conservation and Development

The City of Parksville has completed Phase 1 of the Water Use Planning and Management Study; an important step in ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for current and future residents.

The study examined the community's existing water sources, future water needs, climate change impacts, conservation opportunities, and potential strategies to strengthen long-term water security. Key findings confirm that the City currently has sufficient water capacity to meet existing drinking water and fire protection needs, as well as the growth anticipated in the Official Community Plan.

At the same time, the study highlights the importance of proactive planning. Factors such as climate change, changing river conditions, environmental flow requirements, and future population growth will influence how water is managed over the coming decades.

Council's acceptance of the study recommendations in principle recognizes the value of the analysis and technical work completed. The study is intended to inform future decision-making and does not commit the City to any specific projects, costs, or implementation timelines. Future decisions will continue to be brought forward to Council and the community as planning progresses.

The City remains committed to responsible water management, protecting local ecosystems, and ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.


Supporting Documents

2026

2025

2024

More Information: Arrowsmith Water Service (AWS) and Englishman River Water Service (ERWS) website

FAQ's: Water Conservation and Development

The City of Parksville has completed Phase 1 of the Water Use Planning and Management Study; an important step in ensuring a sustainable and resilient water supply for current and future residents.

The study examined the community's existing water sources, future water needs, climate change impacts, conservation opportunities, and potential strategies to strengthen long-term water security. Key findings confirm that the City currently has sufficient water capacity to meet existing drinking water and fire protection needs, as well as the growth anticipated in the Official Community Plan.

At the same time, the study highlights the importance of proactive planning. Factors such as climate change, changing river conditions, environmental flow requirements, and future population growth will influence how water is managed over the coming decades.

Council's acceptance of the study recommendations in principle recognizes the value of the analysis and technical work completed. The study is intended to inform future decision-making and does not commit the City to any specific projects, costs, or implementation timelines. Future decisions will continue to be brought forward to Council and the community as planning progresses.

The City remains committed to responsible water management, protecting local ecosystems, and ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.


Supporting Documents

2026

2025

2024

More Information: Arrowsmith Water Service (AWS) and Englishman River Water Service (ERWS) website

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  • Has the city considered expanding water storage capacity by raising the Arrowsmith dam or by looking for other reservoir possibilities?

    Alexander asked 12 days ago

    Hi Alexander,
    That is a consideration that's been outlined in the Phase 1 Water Use Planning and Management Study, which is outlined in the links/documents on the main part of this page.

Page last updated: 02 Oct 2026, 12:34 PM