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:
- 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. 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.
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.