Stage 2 outdoor water conservation comes into effect for some customers in Regional District of Nanaimo water service areas starting on May 1.
The Decourcey Water Service Area and Surfside Water Service Area will both remain at Stage 4.
Stage 2 water conservation guidelines will be in effect until further notice and mean sprinkling can only occur on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses. Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Vegetable garden watering and drip irrigation are exempt from restrictions.
The region went into the 2024 fall season with dry conditions with average rainfall in October. November 2024 and January 2025 had low precipitation, however drought conditions on Eastern Vancouver Island improved through the winter months. With slightly warmer than normal temperatures reported, snow levels at higher elevations have been just below average for most of the winter season.
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. With the prospect of a dry summer ahead, proactive water conservation measures must be taken now to meet future water demands for essential household use, fire protection, irrigation purposes and environmental flows.
Water system capacity and conditions vary across the region. Not all water providers will be moving to Stage 2 on May 1. Please refer to the accompanying table for watering restrictions by location and visit your respective water provider’s website for more details and current information.
A map of water service areas, including their current watering restrictions, can be viewed at rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map. For tips on water conservation, visit teamwatersmart.ca.
