City Monitoring Water Levels with an Eye to Watering Restrictions

Will reassess weather and reservoir weekly, and advise public of changes

Summary

Nanaimo Engineering & Public Works staff are monitoring water levels closely, and will issue biweekly updates on the level of watering restrictions.

Link to Strategic Plan: This supports the strategic priority of water, and encourages conservation

Key Points

  • With zero snow pack this past winter, the City is concerned that water supply may be stressed. Rain will help keep the reservoir level full, but long stretches of dry weather can deplete the reservoir quickly.
  • Level 1 watering restrictions will start as normal this year on June 1. Staff will assess weather patterns, reservoir level and water consumption weekly. We will communicate status updates to the public biweekly, including whether the conservation level has elevated or remained at Level 1.
  • For Conservation Level 1, even numbered addresses can water on the EVEN days of the month (e.g. June 2, 4, 6). Odd numbered addresses can water on the ODD days of the month (e.g. June 1, 3, 5)
  • For Conservation Level 2, even numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays.

Quotes

"Summer watering restrictions are an annual occurrence, and helps ensure that there is water available for all, and keeps sufficient water aside for fire fighting. Restrictions also help us be mindful of all water uses, and help keep a conservation mindset to protect this precious resource. This year, due to the low snow pack, we want to ramp up communications with the public, so there are no surprises if we find it necessary to shift to Level 2 restrictions."

Manager, Water Resources
Engineering & Public Works
-30-

Contact:

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
Engineering & Public Works
250-756-5302
John Elliot
Manager, Utilities
Engineering & Public Works
250-758-5222

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