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City of Nanaimo Water Conservation Update

Nanaimo Remains at Stage 2 Restrictions

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 31, 2018 9:00 AM

Summary

On July 30, the Province of BC elevated the 'drought level' over much of the coast, specifically eastern Vancouver Island to 'Level 3 - Very Dry'. This is based on precipitation and stream levels.

The City supports the Province's call for practising water conservation, particularly with discretionary outdoor water use.

Stage 2 Watering Restrictions (every other day watering) have been in effect since May 1, 2018 and will remain in place until the end of September. The City's water supply at Jump Lake is at its normal storage level for this time of year.

Link to Strategic Plan: Water Conservation, and treating water as a shared resource.

Key Points

  • Consistent watering restrictions have helped ensure a common framework across the entire mid-Island area. It is still important that everyone maintain a conservation focus to preserve our precious drinking water and avoid further restrictions. Conserving water voluntarily helps leave more water in the Nanaimo River for fish habitat and recreational use.
  • Similar to last year, we encourage residents to let their lawns go golden. Outdoor watering uses twice the water compared to winter time use.
  • The Provincial 'Drought Level' is not related and should not be confused with the City and Regional District of Nanaimo's Watering Restriction Stages.
  • The City is part of Team WaterSmart - a region-wide initiative that focuses on water conservation, and uniform communications, including a common framework to define watering restriction stages.

Quotes

"We are pleased to report that Jump Lake is at a healthy level of storage. Water use is at seasonally high levels, but is not excessive. Efforts at conserving water now will help make sure that Nanaimo's supply will remain healthy throughout the summer, and will allow us to ensure that flows to the Nanaimo River can be supported as well."

Bill Sims
Director, Engineering & Public Works
City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • At Stage 2, you may water on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Sprinkling is permitted for two hours between 7-10 am or 7-10 pm. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from watering restrictions as are businesses which require water for operations.
  • The City, along with all water suppliers in the mid-Island area, developed a common framework for communicating watering restriction Stages.
  • The Provincial Drought Level - currently at Level 3 Very Dry - is a means for the Province to communicate stream flow conditions to the public. The City supports the Province's message of water conservation by all users.
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Contact:

Bill Sims
Director, Engineering & Public Works
City of Nanaimo
250-758-5222

Print News Release

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