Level Two Water Restrictions In Nanaimo

NEWS RELEASE

Conservation Level Two Watering Restrictions
Decision supports Provincial call for voluntary water use reduction

The Provincial Government issued a media release on June 8 announcing Vancouver Island is experiencing a Level three drought and called for water users to voluntarily reduce consumption.  Today, the City of Nanaimo joins with the Province in observing increased conservation.  Effective Monday June 15, the City will move to Conservation Level Two watering restrictions.  Under level two restrictions, even numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays while odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays.

The City of Nanaimo’s water supply at Jump Lake is currently 95 per cent full.  Compared to previous years, summertime draw-down has started approximately one month earlier than normal, however, given the storage level and corresponding the level of consumption, the City is confident there is sufficient water storage to last the summer.

For Conservation Level Two, even numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays.

"Two main factors have helped build resiliency to drought: Nanaimo residents have been practising water conservation for decades, to the point that overall annual consumption is declining year over year.  The second factor is that Jump Lake - the source of supply - is located well back in the mountains and received significant rainfall in the early spring, leaving it close to full.  While the City's water supply is in good shape with sufficient water, the City is responding to the Provincial call to voluntarily reduce water use by implementing Conservation Level Two watering restrictions.  This cautious approach will ensure that the system remains robust.  The City appreciates residents' participation in conserving water." - Bill Sims Manager, Water Resources Engineering & Public Works