Stage 4 water restrictions are now in place for Water Service Areas within the Regional District of Nanaimo.
The RDN says the further restrictions are the result of the provincial government increasing the drought level to four on Vancouver Island.
The province says flow levels in rivers and streams throughout the region and below-average groundwater levels in some regional aquifers prompted the increase in the drought level.
The regional district says stage 4 restrictions help ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection are met, there are adequate water flows for fish and aquatic habitats.
Under stage four there is no lawn sprinkling of any kind, including for newly seeded and sodded lawns, no washing of driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and exterior building surfaces and no filling of swimming pools, hot tubs and garden pond water features
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions and drip irrigation is permitted between 7 am and 10 am, or between 7 pm and 10 pm.
Hand watering of gardens is permitted but must be done using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shutoff device.
