Water Supply Levels Update

Water levels in Jump Lake remain stable

Summary

This is the first update on water levels. Water levels are stable; inflow to Jump Lake has been good, due to rains in March. Storage is currently at 95% of full; there was a marginal amount of snow that fell over this past weekend. At this time, there is no need to increase Conservation Level above Level 1, contingent on future updates. Level 1 will come into effect on June 1. Nanaimo Engineering & Public Works staff continue to monitor water levels closely, and will issue biweekly updates.

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. Reservoir Level is at 95% of full as of 7 April 2015, thanks to rain received in March.
  • 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 regularly, 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, 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
Ritchie Fulla
General Foreman, Waterworks
Engineering & Public Works
250-758-5222

Print News Release

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.
Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.