The Comox Valley Water System will move to Stage 2 Water Restrictions beginning Thursday, August 2 in response to the province’s designation of a hydrological drought rating for much of coastal British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. Stage 2 restrictions will begin on August 2 to coincide with BC Hydro’s planned reduction of flows on the Puntledge River.
Under Stage 2 Water Restrictions, watering days are Tuesdays and Saturdays for even numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for odd numbered addresses during the hours of 6 to 8 am and 8 to 10 pm. There are no sprinklers permitted for lawn or garden watering on Monday, Thursday or Friday.
Stage 2 restrictions apply to the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Sandwick, Arden, Comox Valley, England Road, Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent Water Local Service Areas.
“With the province implementing a higher drought rating for Vancouver Island and BC Hydro reducing flows in the Puntledge River, Stage 2 restrictions are necessary to maintain a healthy lake level and river flow for the rest of the summer,” explained Marc Rutten, GM of Engineering Services for the CVRD. “By taking this additional step to reduce water use in our community, we can help ensure there is enough water available for fish flows, domestic needs and fire protection.”
Up to this point, the Comox Valley Water System was able to avoid additional water restrictions thanks to a high snowpack over the winter. But an unseasonably hot and dry July has taken its toll on flows into Comox Lake – which serves as the source of drinking water for much of the Comox Valley.
For more information about permitted activities under Stage 2 see the schedule below or visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Mike Herschmiller
Manager of Water Services
Comox Valley Regional District
Please send all interview requests through Christianne Wile at 250-334-6066