News Release - June 1, 2016

WATER DEMAND HIGH ACROSS REGION – RESIDENTS URGED TO CONSERVE

With the onset of hot, dry weather in April, water demand in most community systems across the region is higher than normal and even higher than this time last year.

On Monday, May 30th, the Province of B.C. moved Vancouver Island to a Level 3 Drought Ranking ‘Very Dry’. This was prompted by very low flows in most rivers and streams on the island and dry weather conditions which are expected to continue. Snowpack accumulation was better this winter than last, but much of that snow has already melted with the early warm spring weather. The snowpack is now down to levels similar to this time last year, resulting in low streamflow conditions. Long-range forecasts predict a summer that is warmer and drier than average.

Stage 2 Watering Restrictions (every other day watering) have been in effect for several local water providers since May 1, 2016 and will remain in place. While elevated restrictions will not be implemented at this time, residents are urged to take voluntary action to markedly reduce water use in an effort to avoid and/or defer the need for further restrictions.

Key ways to conserve water:

• reduce sprinkler run times
• add organic material and mulch to the soil to better retain water
• upgrade to efficient irrigation hardware such as drip irrigation
• fix leaks – outdoor and indoors
• more tips at www.teamwatersmart.ca

These efforts will ensure we have a safe and reliable drinking water supply available later in the year should the drought continue throughout the summer. If water demand continues to increase and significant rainfall does not arrive in the month of June, water purveyors may need to move to Stage 3 or Stage 4 restrictions in areas where there is the potential for drought conditions that could put water supply at risk and impact aquatic habitat. Regional conditions vary. Please visit www.teamwatersmart.ca to see which restrictions apply in your area.

Conserving water now is important and is everyone’s responsibility.

Contact:

Julie Pisani	Bill Sims
Drinking Water & Watershed	Manager, Water Resources
Protection Program Coordinator	City of Nanaimo
Regional District of Nanaimo	250-758-5222
250-390-6560 | jpisani [at] rdn.bc.ca (jpisani[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)	bill.sims [at] nanaimo.ca (bill[dot]sims[at]nanaimo[dot]ca)