Due to low water levels, combined with low inflows into the Comox Lake reservoir, and in anticipation of little rainfall in the forecast, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) will move to stage two water restrictions beginning June 1.
“The inflows and water levels in the Comox Lake watershed are unprecedented for this time of year,” said Dave Leitch, CVRD’s senior manager of water and wastewater. “The CVRD’s local water conservation bylaw outlines the determining factors in moving to a higher stage of water restrictions.”
The water in the CVRD is a shared resource and needs to be used efficiently. The water from Comox Lake and the Puntledge River is licensed and allocated by BC Hydro. BC Hydro uses water to generate electricity, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada uses its share for hatchery purposes and other habitant projects.
The Comox Valley uses water for community needs such as fire protection, drinking water and household needs, and other activities such as watering lawns and gardens.
During the peak water use months, the Comox Valley uses about three times as much water as during the winter months; this is primarily due to water use outside the home (i.e. watering lawns and gardens, pressure washing driveways, washing a vehicle or boat).
Using our water resource responsibly helps ensure reliable power, sustainable fisheries and a secure supply of community water.
Stage two water mean that residents may use a sprinkler to water a lawn only under these restrictions: an even numbered address, on Tuesday and Saturday between 4:00 a.m.
and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. an odd numbered address, on Wednesday and Sunday between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Watering a lawn using a sprinkler may not be done outside these days and times.
Stage two water restrictions apply to areas serviced by the Comox Valley local water system which includes the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Arden, Comox Valley, England Road, Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent local water service areas.
The CVRD will be regularly monitoring the situation with BC Hydro and will notify residents of any change in water restrictions by updating the CVRD website www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions, its social media pages including Facebook and Twitter and the water restriction signs located in high traffic areas of the Comox Valley. The CVRD also uses print and radio advertising to advise of the restrictions.
