Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area Customers Urged to Follow Stage 2 Watering Times

News Release - May 8, 2018

Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area Customers Urged to Follow Stage 2 Watering Times

Though we experienced a wet winter and early spring, current heavy water demand in the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area (WSA) with the warm dry weather in early May is preventing reservoirs from filling overnight. Over the past week under Stage 2, RDN staff have observed water reservoir levels dropping around 2:30 AM when they are supposed to be refilling. This can largely be attributed to automatic sprinkler systems that are in contravention of the Stage 2 watering times.

If there is no observed response to Stage 2 in the near term that allows the reservoirs to fill overnight, then the RDN may need to temporarily move to Stage 3 or Stage 4 watering restrictions in Nanoose Bay Peninsula WSA to maintain reservoir levels for fire protection. A change in restriction level may happen quickly if required; residents are encouraged to visit our homepage at www.rdn.bc.ca where we will ensure up-to-date information in our news & highlights section.

Please help us share this message among neighbours in the Nanoose Bay Peninsula Water Service Area about the importance of watering at the correct times and days.

Not only is water conservation a habit of a resilient community, water restrictions are part of the RDN Water Use Regulation bylaw and are enforceable. They are in place to help with the smooth operation of our water systems during the peak times of year and they are designed to be simple to comply with.

Watering Restriction Stage 2 allows sprinkling every other day based on odd and even house numbers, between 7-10 AM or PM for a maximum of 2 hours per day. Hand watering and drip irrigation are permitted anytime, as is vegetable garden watering.

Other ways to consider further water reductions include:

  • Reduce the lawn irrigation on your property by decreasing run times, cutting back on the number of watering days and refraining from sprinkling certain lawn areas.
  • Retrofit old, inefficient irrigation systems.
  • Add mulch/topsoil to aid in landscape water retention.
  • Sweep outdoor surfaces such as driveways or decks with a broom rather than using a hose or power washing.
  • Avoid washing vehicles or boats unnecessarily, unless for safety reasons (windows and headlights).
Reducing overall outdoor water use ensures water demands for essential household use, fire protection, environmental flows and irrigation purposes can continue to be met during the hot dry season.

We thank customers that are following the current water restrictions, and appreciate the understanding and attention to this call for water conservation. For more information about water conversation please visit: www.rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map or www.teamwatersmart.ca.

 

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Contact:

RDN Water Services
250-390-6560
waterprotection [at] rdn.bc.ca (waterprotection[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)