The Comox Valley Regional District is moving to Stage Two water restrictions for residents who are connected to the Comox Valley water supply including the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, Arden, Comox Valley, England Road, Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent local water service areas.
The heightened restrictions are being implemented due to inflows to the Comox lake reservoir being lower than the current outflows, and BC Hydro’s decision to reduce power generation to 20 per cent of capacity to conserve water in the reservoir.
“We’ve enjoyed a fairly wet and cool summer thus far however the Comox Lake reservoir now is at a point where water is flowing out of the reservoir faster than it’s coming in. From now to early fall the reservoir level will be dropping,” said Marc Rutten, general manager of engineering services with the Comox Valley Regional District. “Also, with the hotter, drier weather over the past few weeks, peak daily water demand in the Comox Valley is increasing. In order to be proactive and conserve water for the coming months, a higher stage of watering restrictions is being implemented.”
During stage 2 water restrictions residents may only use a sprinkler to water a lawn growing on a property during:
an even numbered address, on Tuesday and Saturday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
an odd numbered address, on Wednesday and Sunday between the hours of 6:00 a.m to 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Watering a lawn using a sprinkler may not be done outside these days and times.
As well, it should be noted that washing of sidewalks, driveways and parking lots except as necessary for application a product such as paint, preservative and stucco, preparing a surface prior to paving and repointing bricks, or if required by law to comply with health or safety regulations; is not allowed.
Residents may still water their trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables with a sprinkler during their prescribed hours and on any day at any time if watering is completed by hand with a hand held container.
For more information on the rules regarding stage two water restrictions and how they may affect you please visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions
