Due to low water levels in the Oyster River and the anticipated upcoming dry summer, the Comox
Valley Regional District (CVRD) is advising residents connected to the Black Creek–Oyster Bay
water system to move to stage two water restrictions effective June 1.
“The water levels in the Oyster River are unprecedented for this time of year and the levels are
diminishing day-by-day with no precipitation forecast for the near future,” said Dave Leitch,
CVRD’s senior manager of water and wastewater.
“The water bylaw for the Black Creek-Oyster Bay water system allows the CVRD to invoke water restrictions if it is in the best interest of the
public.”
Even though this area is metered, during the peak summer months water use dramatically increases
primarily due to water-related activities outside the home (i.e. watering lawns and gardens, pressure
washing driveways, washing a vehicle or boat).
Using the water resource responsibly helps ensure
that it can continue to provide a sustainable supply of water.
Stage two water restrictions mean that residents may use a sprinkler to water a lawn only on
these times and days:
o 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.
o 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. However,
watering is allowed on any day at any time if done by a hand-held container or a hand-held
hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
The CVRD will be regularly monitoring the situation 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. The CVRD also uses print and radio advertising to advise of
the restrictions.
