With the current heat wave and increased water demand, Regional District of Nanaimo is trying to curb consumption, instituting Stage 3 watering restrictions for a majority of its water service areas.
Many areas have seen temperatures as high as 35-40 C over the past few days and in a press release, the RDN is requesting residents voluntarily reduce outside water usage, including watering lawns and washing cars and outdoor surfaces, effective immediately.
The RDN suggests this can be accomplished by reducing lawn irrigation by decreasing sprinkler run times and cutting back on the number of watering days. Another way to conserve water is to sweep outdoor surfaces, as opposed to using a power washer or hose and avoid washing vehicles or boats, unless for safety reasons.
If water consumption does not decrease, the RDN said it will move into Stage 4 restrictions, which will see a comprehensive water ban, in order to ensure proper water amounts are available for essential needs, such as fire protection.
Nanoose Bay Peninsula, Englishman River, San Pareil, Surfside, French Creek, Melrose Terrace, Whiskey Creek, Westburne Heights, Descanso Bay Regional Park, Rollo McClay Community Park, Horne Lake Regional Park and Decourcey make up RDN water service areas.
Customers of the Decourcey service area, south of Nanaimo, are already in Stage 4, said the press release.
Stage 3 restrictions will remain in place until further notice, said the RDN.
Stage 3 restrictions do not apply for residents of the City of Nanaimo and District of Lantzville, who can continue to water a maximum of two hours a day, between 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m.
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