The City of Parksville will move to water conservation level 2 on May 1 and will be in effect until Oct. 31 unless otherwise advised.
Parksville's water use doubles during summer months due mainly to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens and washing cars and outdoor surfaces, according to a news release by the city.
"Region-wide water use restrictions are an effective way to reduce summer demand and ensure supply for essential services," the release stated. "We encourage residents to conserve where possible. Taking conservation measures early, before our water supplies come under stress, is essential to ensure we can maintain an adequate water supply throughout the hot dry summers we have come to expect."
From June 1 to Oct. 31, as a partner in the Arrowsmith Water Service, the city operates through an order from the Province of BC 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 residents of Parksville.
For sprinkler watering, odd numbered civic addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered addresses may water on even numbered days. Watering times are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours of total allocated watering per day.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all water conservation levels and businesses which require water for operations are also exempt.
Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees may be watered anytime with use of a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle if watered outside of the times permitted.
On your assigned watering day: vehicles, boats and buildings may be washed using city-supplied potable water using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle; persons may use city-supplied potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways, parking lots; and swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and water features may be filled with water.
Detailed information about the city’s water conservation is available on the city’s website and on Let’s Talk Parksville. Parksville is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Direct questions to bylaw@parksville.ca.
