City of Nanaimo reverting to Conservation Level One Watering Restrictions

Weekend rain and residents' conservation efforts helped weather the drought

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 2, 2015 3:00 PM

Summary

The Jump Lake watershed received significant rainfall over the past 5 days: approximately 150 millimetres (6 inches) fell between Friday evening and this morning. This resulted in a recovery in water level in Jump Lake. The lake is now at approximately 75% of full storage, a normal, comfortable position to be in for the remainder of the fall, even should we receive no further rain.

In addition, daily water consumption has declined to near-winter levels, a trend we expect to continue with the return of cooler weather.

For these reasons, the City of Nanaimo is reverting to Conservation Level One Watering Restrictions.

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

Key Points

For Conservation Level One, even numbered addresses can water on even-numbered days of the month. Odd numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered days of the month.
This is the eighth update on water levels since late March, when the City advised it was monitoring water levels and climatic conditions carefully. City staff continues to monitor the water supply situation daily; should there be a need, the public will be updated.
As a result of Nanaimoites' efforts at conservation, summer time use was 17% lower than average. Year to date water delivered is five per cent lower than at this time last year.

Quotes

"It was remarkable how well residents responded to moving to Conservation Level 2 on June 15. We saw an immediate decline in water use, and heard many stories of inventive and careful use of water. We continue to encourage Golden Lawns for residential addresses. It is great to see that the people of Nanaimo truly value their drinking water!

Two main factors have helped build resiliency to drought: Nanaimo residents have been practising water conservation for decades, to the point that overall annual consumption is declining year over year. The second factor is that Jump Lake - the source of supply - is located well back in the mountains and received significant rainfall in the early spring.

The City appreciates residents' and business' very significant efforts in conserving water."

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

Engineering & Public Works

Quick Facts

Level One Watering Restrictions remain in effect until September 30.
No watering is permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
No washing of driveways or parking lots is permitted. All water hoses must have a hand-held shutoff device.
Residential property residents may wash a vehicle or boat only on their watering day, and not between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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Contact:

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

Engineering & Public Works

250-756-5302

Bill.Sims@nanaimo.ca

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