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Watering Restrictions

Stage 3 watering restrictions are currently in effect.

The City is aligning with regional measures and asking residents to voluntarily conserve water, particularly for outdoor use. While these reductions are not mandatory at this stage, they are strongly encouraged to help protect the water supply and avoid stricter restrictions.

Residents are asked to limit lawn watering to one day per week:

  • Odd-numbered addresses: Monday
  • Even-numbered addresses: Thursday

Water only between: 7–10 am or 7–10 pm (maximum 2 hours)

Region-Wide Watering Restrictions Poster

To access a printable watering restrictions chart, click here.

Watering Restriction Exemptions

New lawns (seed or sod) may qualify for a 14-day watering permit to water outside restricted days. To apply, contact Public Works at 250‑758‑5222. Please note that permits may not be issued during Stage 3 or 4.

Newly planted trees and shrubs can be watered at any time during the first 24 hours after planting. After this period, watering must follow the current stage restrictions.

Vegetable gardens and fruit trees may be watered at any time; however, residents are encouraged to conserve water whenever possible.

Businesses that rely on water for normal operations, such as car washes, nurseries, and cleaning services, are exempt from all restriction stages.

Public services, utilities, schools, and municipal playing fields may also vary water use as needed to maintain infrastructure, public systems, and recreational spaces.

Watering Restriction Guidance Curve

Water restriction stages for this service area are determined using the Watering Restriction Guidance Curve, which considers reservoir levels and system demand.

The chart below shows daily water levels in the Jump Creek Reservoir, updated to June 10, 2026, and illustrates how current conditions compare to the guidance curve.

To view the current Water Restriction Stage for Nanaimo, and how you can conserve water, see RDN Team WaterSmart.

Summary

The water restriction framework is designed to reduce demand and protect Nanaimo’s water supply as conditions change throughout the season.

Stage 1 encourages general water conservation while allowing flexibility when supplies are stable.
Stage 2 introduces clear and manageable limits on outdoor water use to help reduce demand.
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.
Stage 4 is implemented when supplies are under greater stress and restricts most non‑essential outdoor water use, including automated sprinklers, vehicle washing, and surface cleaning.

Water Restriction Stages are different from Provincial Drought Levels, as they are based on local reservoir conditions and water use in Nanaimo.

Contact Us

Water Resources
250-758-5222
water.resources@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: June 12, 2026

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