On the 'wet coast' of B.C., it is easy to take our water supply for granted. In dry summer months, water consumption triples, even though there is much less water available. As the region grows, more people will be using the same limited resource. The quantity and quality of our water are directly impacted by human activity including the amount we use on a daily basis. It is important that we all do our part to protect our water.

Indoor Water Conservation  Outdoor Water Conservation  Business Water Conservation  Protect Water Quality  Workshops & Events  Irrigation Initiatives  WellSMART  Additional Resources

What's new?

2020 WellSmart Webinars!

Help protect the groundwater we share.

The WellSmart education program helps private well owners protect the quality and supply of their drinking water. As a private well owner, you have access to one of nature's most valuable resources - cool, clean groundwater. You rely on this precious resource to supply clean, safe drinking water to your family.

Learn how to keep your well in safe running order! WellSmart Workshops will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions of local well drillers and pump installers, Island Health, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, and Bureau Veritas Laboratories.

As your own 'water manager', it is your job to be WellSmart and properly care for your well in order to protect the health of your family, friends, community, and environment. Your well is the most important asset on your property and without an adequate water supply, your property value may decline. Taking proper care of your well may protect your investment and extend the operational life of your well.

2020 WellSmart Webinars:

Register today for this year's WellSmart Zoom Webinar Series! Visit www.rdn.bc.ca/wellsmart for registration details.

Nanaimo River Watershed Virtual Field Trip!

Water is very special. It's home to fish and animals. It nourishes plants and helps trees grow. It quenches our thirst and supports our communities. Have you ever wondered where your drinking water comes from?

Join Team WaterSmart as they follow the incredible journey of a water droplet as it travels from the upper Nanaimo River watershed to your drinking glass! Learn about the water cycle, watersheds, forestry management, water treatment, conservation, and protection in a 15 minute virtual field trip video!

Take a virtual field trip through the Nanaimo River Watershed:

• Watch the interactive A Journey to the Nanaimo River Watershed virtual field trip video. 
• Access supporting materials, games, and activities at GetInvolved!
• Don't forget to leave your 'Watershed Wonders' on GetInvolved for your water-related questions to be answered by Team WaterSmart!

Contact us at watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca with any questions and register on GetInvolved to keep up to date on Team WaterSmart initiatives and events!

Are Watering Restrictions in Effect for my Area?

As of April 1, seasonal outdoor watering restrictions take effect within the region.

During the spring and summer, practical watering restrictions help us manage our water supply over the dry season. Not all water providers will initiate watering restrictions, but if they do, each 'Stage' has a consistent definition across the region as part of a new standardized framework to improve clarity.

Watering restriction times are set in an attempt to balance the needs of the several major water suppliers in the region, some large systems on surface water sources, other smaller systems on groundwater sources. Outdoor water conservation helps our water systems be resilient to drought and supply water for essential needs, fire protection, and environmental flows.

Contact us at watersmart [at] rdn.bc.ca with any questions and register on GetInvolved to keep up to date on Team WaterSmart initiatives and events!