The City of Parksville's new water framework responds to changing conditions, the impacts of these conditions, public response and water system requirements.
In response to unprecedented drought years, city staff met with regional water purveyors to review and propose improvements to the city’s water framework in place since 2016, according to a news release by the city.
The framework was approved by council through Water Service System Bylaw 1320.
City conservation levels provide a coordinated approach with regional water providers who can determine the conservation levels specific to their needs.
Changes to water conservation framework include extending the restriction period to Oct. 31
"This change responds to the trend of longer, hotter summers," the release stated. "In recent years, restrictions have been in place beyond the previously defined Sept. 30 end date."
Another change is that Level 3 limits watering days to one day per week; odd-numbered houses on Monday and even-numbered houses on Thursday.
Adjusting this voluntary level to include tangible and measurable water conservation will provide clear direction to residents on how to reduce water use and provide clarity on specific actions that can be taken to limit water use should drought conditions become more severe.
The new Level 4 will be identical to the previous Stage 4, but with vehicle washing allowed when a shutoff nozzle is used.
Vehicle washing has minimal impact on the water supply, according to the city, and with car wash businesses open during Level 4, water would be used to wash cars regardless of whether it was at home or at a car wash business.
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.
From June 1 to Oct. 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the city operates through an order from the Province of B.C. which regulates the flow release from the Arrowsmith Lake Reservoir.
The provincial enabling order determines when water conservation levels will be implemented to ensure an adequate water supply for the Englishman River to support the in-stream fish environment and the residents of Parksville.
Utility notices mailed to homeowners in late March will include additional details about changes to the city’s water conservation framework as well as indoor and outdoor water conservation tips. For more information, refer to Let’s Talk Parksville.
