NANAIMO — A near-complete lack of rain for the month of July is prompting local officials to take extra measures to conserve the water supply.
A vast majority of the Regional District of Nanaimo will move into stage four water restrictions, beginning Friday, Aug. 1.
The move prohibits the use of sprinklers of any kind, washing of driveways, sidewalks or exterior building surfaces, as well as the filling of swimming pools, hot tubs or garden water features.
“Low flows in rivers and streams throughout the region and below-average groundwater levels in some regional aquifers are prompting this proactive move towards water conservation efforts,” the RDN notes. “The continued warmer and drier-than-seasonal conditions …will likely further impact water levels throughout the rest of the summer.”
Municipalities of Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Lantzville are included in the restrictions, as are residents in French Creek, Whiskey Creek and Nanoose Bay.
The City of Nanaimo is remaining under stage two restrictions, which limits watering to certain hours on certain days.
The Town of Qualicum Beach maintains stage one restrictions almost year-round.
A statement from the RDN said the move is a proactive one to ensure water supplies remain and fish habitats are protected.
“Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions, even in Stage 4. Drip irrigation is permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Hand watering of gardens is allowed but must be done using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shutoff device.”
In line with the restrictions, the City of Parksville also issued a total water ban.
The municipality said in a release they’re under a provincial order to maintain certain water levels in the Englishman River, with water from the Arrowsmith dam used to regulate this flow.
“The amount of water released from the Arrowsmith dam, along with an analysis of how long we can continue to release water, guides the implementation of conservation levels. This ensures a high-quality water supply for our residents and the necessary water for fire safety as well as in-stream fish.”
An interactive map of water restrictions across the Regional District is available here.
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