Watering restrictions are coming into effect in Nanaimo and most surrounding rural areas tomorrow.
Stage 2 restrictions automatically take effect Thursday, May 1, in the City of Nanaimo, North Cedar Improvement District and the Nanoose Bay Peninsula.
Residents who live at odd-number addresses can water their lawns only on odd-number days, and even-addresses on even-number days, and sprinkling can continue for no more than two hours between 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m. Hand-watering, drip and micro irrigation and watering vegetable gardens is allowed at any time.
While the Nanaimo region entered autumn with "dry conditions with average rainfall in October and minimal rainfall in November and January, conditions got better throughout the winter," stated the Regional District of Nanaimo. However, there is a potential for a dry summer and precautions must be taken in order to ensure there is enough water for household usage, fighting fires, irrigating and environmental flows, the region added.
"With slightly warmer than normal temperatures reported, snow levels at higher elevations have been just below average for most of the winter season," the press release noted. "The snowpack contributes to streamflow and groundwater as it melts. Forecasts show the potential for lower-than-average rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures this spring, with the likelihood of drought conditions beginning early in the summer season."
The District of Lantzville will enter Stage 1 restrictions beginning May 15, which allows watering seven days a week, but only after 7 p.m. or before 7 a.m.
The Decourcey Water Service Area in Yellow Point is under Stage 4 restrictions with a sprinkling ban in place. Hand watering is allowed only once a week from 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m.
For more information on area watering restrictions, visit http://rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map and for tips on how to reduce water usage, go to www.teamwatersmart.ca.
