Level 3 water restrictions are now in effect for the Regional District of Nanaimo.
According to the district, the restrictions are in effect because the recent heat wave combined with a below-average snowpack have pushed the region into drought conditions, with the BC government listing east Vancouver Island at Drought Level 3, which means adverse impacts possible.
While the restrictions affect all water service areas including Nanoose Bay Peninsula, River’s Edge, French Creek/Sandpiper, Surfside, San Pareil, Whiskey Creek, Westurne Heights, and Melrose Terrace, the Decourcey area is still under stage 4 restrictions.
Under these restrictions, lawn watering is only limited to one day per week, with odd-numbered houses getting Mondays, while even-numbered houses getting Thursdays.
The district says by conserving water, it makes sure they have what they need for essential home use, fire protection, and stream flows for fish and irrigation purposes.
To help save water, they recommend you avoid washing vehicles or boats unless for safety reasons, to sweep outdoor surfaces like driveways or decks with a broom instead of a hose, fix or replace old, inefficient, or leaking irrigation systems, and add mulch or topsoil to flower beds so they can keep water.
For watering your vegetable garden and drip irrigation, they are exempt from these restrictions.
