On May 1, the City of Parksville will move to Stage 2 outdoor water restrictions.
Region-wide water use restrictions are an effective way to reduce summer demand and ensure supply for essential services, according to a news release by the city.
During summer months, water use can double mainly due to outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens and washing cars and outdoor surfaces.
“We encourage all residents to conserve where possible,” the release said. “Taking conservation measures early, before our water supplies come under stress, is essential to ensure we can maintain an adequate water supply throughout the hot dry summers we have come to expect.”
Stage 2 means sprinkling can only occur on even days for even-numbered houses and on odd days for odd-numbered houses.
Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours between 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stage 2 restrictions will be in effect until otherwise advised.
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General information:
• Sprinkler watering - odd numbered civic addresses may water on odd numbered days and even numbered civic addresses may water on even numbered days. Watering times are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a maximum of two hours of total allocated watering per day.
• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions.
• Watering of ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees is restricted to a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle if watered outside of the times permitted.
• Washing of vehicles, boats and building surfaces may be washed using city-supplied potable water using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.
• Washing of sidewalks and driveways - persons may use city-supplied potable water to wash sidewalks, driveways or parking lots.
• Swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and water features may be filled with water.
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions and businesses which require water for operations are also exempt.
Detailed information about the city’s water restrictions is available online at https://www.parksville.ca/cms.asp?wpID=377.
The City of Parksville is a partner in the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Team WaterSmart programs. Questions should be directed to bylaw@parksville.ca.
— NEWS Staff