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Environmental Services is responsible for several functions critical to maintaining quality of life in the Region such as garbage collection and disposal, recycling, sewage treatment and disposal, and RDN water utilities and the Arrowsmith Water Service.
Click links on any of the links below for detailed information on each department.
Garbage & Recycling Services [Solid Waste]
The RDN has an excellent garbage and recycling program for all electoral area residents. The City of Nanaimo, Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach have their own garbage and recycling programs.
The RDN residential garbage & recycling service provider is Waste Services (CA) Inc.; they can be reached at 1-866-999-8227. Visit us at www.rdn.bc.ca and go to the Solid Waste section for “Frequently Asked Questions”.
The RDN has two solid waste disposal facilities for self-haul service; the Regional Landfill, located south of Nanaimo and the Church Road Transfer Station, located in Parksville. More information about the two facilities is available by [ Clicking Here ].
The Zero Waste Message... More
The RDN and its member municipalities, residents and businesses have led the way in innovative approaches to reducing the amount of garbage that must be land filled. In 1991, we introduced Canada's first user pay residential garbage collection system. Since then, the RDN and its partners have expanded curbside recycling programs, banned paper, metal and other recyclable materials from the landfill, and successfully promoted backyard composting throughout the region. Today, we're the first jurisdiction on Vancouver Island but one of several forward looking local governments in Canada and around the world that have adopted Zero Waste as their long term waste reduction goal.
Sewer Collection & Treatment [Liquid Waste]
Sewer collection services are provided in a number of areas within the Regional District of Nanaimo with treatment being provided at either the French Creek, Nanoose, Duke Point or Nanaimo Liquid Waste Treatment Facilities.
Many properties within the RDN are not connected to sewer collection systems and rely on a septic tank and disposal field system or Pump and Haul to dispose of their sewage. It is important to understand what form of sewage disposal is available to you.
Properties that are not serviced by sewer and have been rejected by the Ministry of Health for a septic field may apply to the RDN to be included in the Pump and Haul service area.
You can learn more about Pump and Haul services by visiting our website or contacting our office. Please refer to the back of this pamphlet for contact information.
If you have questions about septic fields, please contact the Vancouver Island Health Authority in Parksville at 250-248-2044, or in Nanaimo at 250-755-6215.
Water Treatment & Distribution
Water supply sources within the RDN vary. The City of Nanaimo, District Municipality of Lantzville, City of Parksville and the Town of Qualicum Beach have their own supply systems. Outside of those areas services may be provided by the RDN, Improvement Districts, private water utilities or by individual wells or surface water sources.
Water supply in areas serviced by the RDN is provided almost entirely from ground water sources. If you are used to water being supplied by lakes, rivers or streams you may notice some differences.
Ground water has dissolved minerals and compounds that reflect the soil composition found in the area. For example, compared to surface water, you may find higher levels of iron and manganese in the water supplied to your home. You may notice a discolouration of the water due to the minerals and perhaps an odour at certain times of the year.
The RDN provided water is safe to use and to drink and we carry out weekly testing to ensure healthy water is delivered to your tap.
While the RDN supplies water at adequate pressure some residents may experience low pressure due to the length of their service or elevation of their home. Residents may wish to install a pressure booster in some areas. This would be at the resident’s cost.
Residents served by RDN water systems are responsible for all costs associated with water servicing to their property.
Telephone
(250) 390-6560 (Nanaimo)
(250) 954-3792 (Parksville-Qualicum)
Fax
(250) 390-1542
Address
6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N2
Email
wwsrv@rdn.bc.ca
