Outdoor Water Conservation Stage 3 Now in Effect

July 16, 2024

NEWS RELEASE(External link)

Effective immediately, the City is implementing Stage 3 water conservation measures until further notice. Stage 3 maintains the same even and odd day watering framework as Stage 2, while encouraging residents to further reduce consumption to defer a comprehensive watering ban. The Province of BC currently lists eastern Vancouver Island at Drought Level 3, “Adverse Impacts Possible” and is calling for all communities to voluntarily reduce water consumption, especially outdoor use.

We were fortunate to have a cool wet spring; however, we are now experiencing hot dry weather with no snowpack to augment surface water levels. Creeks and streams in the region have begun to experience low flow conditions and fire risk is always a concern during summer months without any significant rainfall in the forecast. By proactively conserving groundwater and surface water, we ensure water supply resiliency for essential household use, fire protection, stream flows for fish, and irrigation purposes.

The City of Parksville has several water licences issued by the province for drinking water purposes and when the Arrowsmith Dam was constructed, the City committed to releasing water to the Englishman River in drier months to add to the base flow, which is beneficial for fish and the riparian ecosystem. To prolong the release of water from the dam, a reduction in the flow release has been approved which requires the City to implement Stage 3 conservation levels.

Stage 3 offers flexibility for residents to decide where and how they cut back on water use; however, it is critical reductions are implemented. Please note watering of vegetable gardens and fruit trees and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions. Here are some ways to conserve in Stage 3.

  • Reduce the lawn irrigation on your property by decreasing run times, cutting back on the number of watering days and refraining from sprinkling certain lawn areas. Lawns naturally go dormant in the summer months and return with fall rains.
  • Avoid washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily, unless for safety reasons (windows and headlights).
  • Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks with a broom rather than a hose or power washing.
  • Retrofit old, inefficient or leaking irrigation systems.
  • Add mulch/topsoil to aid in landscape water retention so you can decrease sprinkler run times, being mindful of FireSmart BC principles.

RESOURCES:

For more information:
Deb Tardiff, Manager of Communications
communications@parksville.ca;(External link) 250 954-3073

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