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City of Nanaimo Water Conservation Update

Nanaimo Remains at Stage 2 Restrictions

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 30, 2016 10:22 AM

Summary

On June 28, the Province of BC elevated the 'drought level' on south eastern Vancouver Island to 'Level 4 - Extremely Dry'. This is based on precipitation and stream levels. 'Drought Level' is not related and should not be confused with the City's Watering Restriction Stages.

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, 2016 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

  • The new watering restrictions have helped ensure consistency 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.
  • 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 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 still at full storage - exactly where we want it to be at this time of year. Water use is up slightly over last year, due to the early warm spell. 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
Manager, Water Resources
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 4 Extremely Dry - is a means for the Province to communicate streamflow conditions to the public.
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Contact:

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
City of Nanaimo
250-758-5222
Julie Pisani
Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6560

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