News Release - June 30, 2016

News Release - June 30, 2016

Update on Provincial Drought Level and Regional Watering Restrictions

On June 28, the Province of BC announced southeastern Vancouver Island is now at Level 4 "Extremely Dry" drought ranking. The Provincial drought ranking is in response to low stream flows in the region due to early rapid snowmelt and record high temperatures as well as low early spring rainfall. With this drought ranking, the Province is urging all water users to reduce water consumption as much as possible and has issued a fishing ban in most rivers and streams on Vancouver Island, starting July 1st.

The Provincial drought levels should not be confused with local watering restrictions. Watering restriction stages will not be elevated at this time in any of the community water supply systems in the region. Most area water systems are at Stage 2 (even and odd day sprinkling) and have been since May 1st. This includes the City of Nanaimo, City of Parksville and the eight RDN Water Service Areas.

While stream flows are about 50 per cent below historic median in our region, local water supplies for community systems within the Regional District of Nanaimo are in good shape and at normal levels for this time of year. This is thanks to the localized June rainfall that we experienced and the capacity for storage in major water systems (Jump Lake reservoir for City of Nanaimo; Arrowsmith Lake reservoir for City of Parksville & Nanoose). Groundwater levels in many of the region's aquifers are at or above median, with some exceptions in areas that are commonly lower yielding.

With the hot dry weather upon us, all residents are asked to voluntarily focus efforts on conserving water, particularly discretionary outdoor water use. Pro-active water conservation is critical for protecting stream flows for aquatic habitat, and is essential for avoiding or deferring stricter watering restrictions as the summer progresses.

For helpful tips on how you can save water and for a map with information on local watering restriction stages, please go to www.teamwatersmart.ca or call 250-390-6560.

For more information on the Provincial Drought Ranking and angling closure, please see Click Here

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Contact:

Julie Pisani
Drinking Water & Watershed Protection Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
(250) 390-6586
jpisani [at] rdn.bc.ca (jpisani[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)