Watering restrictions come into effect April 1

New framework creates consistency among water suppliers in the region

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 30, 2016 9:45 AM

Summary

On Friday, April 1, Stage 1 watering restrictions will come into effect. Stage 1 consists of night-time watering only, between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, any day of the week.

The City of Nanaimo, in cooperation with other water suppliers in the Regional District of Nanaimo, recently adopted a unified approach to watering restrictions. Both the City and Regional District will use the same classification for each watering restriction stage (Stages 1 through 4). Also concurrent will be the allotted hours for watering and start dates for watering restriction Stages 1 and 2.

For more information on the region-wide watering restrictions, visit www.teamwatersmart.ca.

Link to Strategic Plan: Water Conservation

Key Points

Stage 1 watering restrictions start April 1, and consist of night-time watering only, between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, any day of the week.
Stage 2 will run from May 1 to September 30. Even numbered addresses can water even days of the month; odd numbered addresses can water odd days of the month, for two hours only, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am OR between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
Visit www.teamwatersmart.ca for an interactive map, a list of frequently asked questions and watering restriction stage in each area of the region.

Quotes

"The new watering restrictions are part of the City’s waterworks bylaw. While the new restrictions are defined the same way across the region there are changes for Nanaimo's residents especially with Stage 1 starting on April 1. There may be an adjustment, but we are confident that the clearer rules will make for a smooth transition."

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

Stage 3 requests further voluntary reductions prior to implementing a ban, enabling residents to choose where they cut back – the focus is on lawns, and providing an opportunity to defer a comprehensive ban. This approach was very effective in Nanaimo.
Stage 4 bans non-essential water use – particularly automated sprinkling, vehicle washing and outdoor surface washing – when supplies are stressed and voluntary reductions beyond Stage 2 are not sufficiently decreasing demand.
Vegetable watering and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions. Exemptions for businesses which require water for operations, essential municipal playing fields and nurseries are also exempt, to minimize economic impact while conserving. This helps avoid challenges in applying the bylaw.

Links

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Contact:

Bill Sims

Manager, Water Resources

City of Nanaimo

250-756-5302

Print News Release

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