Comprehensive Water Ban - Water Conservation Efforts Essential
July 4, 2023
Effective July 5 and until further notice, the City of Parksville has moved to Stage 4 water restrictions, a comprehensive watering ban. The Province of BC recently elevated east Vancouver Island as well as other areas in the province to Drought Level 4 due to a significant shortfall in seasonable precipitation this past spring, winter and fall and early above seasonal temperatures. The province is requesting water providers reduce water usage by implementing stricter watering conditions.
Stage 4 restrictions help 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. Our region is experiencing early low-flow levels in rivers and streams and the continued warmer and drier-than-seasonal conditions forecast, will likely further impact water levels well into the summer. This comprehensive water ban aims to reduce the pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought.
Stage 4 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. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from Stage 4 restrictions. Between 7 am and 10 am OR 7 pm and 10 pm, drip irrigation and hand watering of gardens is permitted using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with shutoff device.
Detailed information about City of Parksville water restrictions may be viewed on our website and Let’s Talk Parksville. The City is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs.
Please direction questions to the City’s bylaw compliance department by email to bylaw@parksville.ca.
