The City of Parksville has implemented level 3 water conservation measures effective June 27 until further notice.
The city regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake reservoir between June 1 and October 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, according to a new release by the city.
The province determines when conservation levels will be implemented to ensure a high-quality water supply for residents and the necessary water for fire safety as well as in-stream fish.
"We are fortunate, the Arrowsmith reservoir is currently at full capacity," the release said. "To prolong the release of water from the dam, a reduction in the flow release requires the city to implement level 3 conservation measures effective Friday, June 27 until further notice."
Level 3 offers some flexibility for residents to decide where and how they cut back on water use and is intended to encourage residents to reduce water use where possible.
The most significant change to level 3 with the revised water framework approved earlier this year is to sprinkler watering which allows watering of lawns one day per week.
Level 3 guidelines are as follows:
• Watering days are limited to one day per week: odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered on Thursday;
• Watering of lawns with pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers is permitted one day per week only between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. for a maximum two hours. Odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered on Thursday;
• Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees are restricted to hand-held container or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle;
• Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on assigned watering day, vehicles, RVs, boats, and exterior building surfaces may be washed using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle;
• Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on assigned watering day, walkways, driveways, buildings (siding), or parking lots may be washed using a hand-held container or hose equipped with shutoff nozzle;
• Anytime on assigned watering day, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs, garden ponds, and water features may be filled with water.
Please note, vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all water conservation levels as are businesses which require water for operations, essential municipal sports fields and nurseries.
Details about the City’s water framework including conservation tips may be viewed on Let’s Talk Parksville. The city is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart program. Drought information is available online from the Province of BC.
