The City of Parksville has moved to Stage 4 water conservation, a comprehensive watering ban, effective Sept. 23 and until further notice.
Stage 4 helps ensure the community’s essential water needs for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection are met and water flows for fish and aquatic habitats are maintained, according to a news release by the city.
This comprehensive water ban aims to reduce the pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought.
Stage 4 includes a ban on all lawn watering activities and residents are not permitted to wash vehicles, boats, or siding, nor fill fountains, pools or hot tubs.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from Stage 4 restrictions.
Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., drip irrigation and hand watering of gardens is permitted using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with shutoff device.
On July 16, 2024, the city received a temporary Enabling Order from the Province of BC at which time the city moved to Stage 3 water conservation when water flow maintains above 1.6 cubic metres per second (m3s) in the Englishman River.
This order indicated when the average flow in the Englishman River falls below 1.20 m3s, the city would move to Stage 4.
"This occurred over the past week, and we were advised today to immediately move to water conservation Stage 4 to comply with the Enabling Order," the city stated in the release. "There has been a significant shortfall in precipitation over the summer which has continued into September. The province has requested water providers reduce water usage by implementing stricter watering conditions."
Detailed information about Parksville water restrictions may be viewed on the city's website and Let’s Talk Parksville. The city is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs.
Questions may be directed to the city’s bylaw compliance department by email to bylaw@parksville.ca.
