Nanaimo Water Supply Update

NEWS RELEASE

Nanaimo responding well to level two water conservation

Nanaimo residents have responded quickly to the elevated level two water conservation measures implemented June 15.  In a recent comparison of the week before and after the implementation, daily consumption has declined by 7.5 per cent, from 59.5 million litres per day to 55.1 million litres per day. Under level two conservation, 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 92 per cent full.  Compared to previous years, summertime draw-down has started approximately one month earlier than normal, however, given the storage level and the corresponding level of consumption, the City is confident there is sufficient water storage to last the summer.

The increased conservation level supports the Province's call for voluntary water use reduction and helps to ensure the City's water supply will remain in good shape for the duration of the summer.

Nanaimo residents have been self-regulating in response to the warmer drier weather and practising water conservation.

This is the fifth update on water levels since late March, when the City advised it was monitoring water levels and climatic conditions carefully. The City will continue to monitor and provide updates to the public.

"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; a 7.5 per cent drop since implementing level two restrictions is very impressive." - Bill Sims Manager, Water Resources Engineering & Public Works

• No watering is permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• No washing of driveways or parking lots is permitted. All water hoses must have a hand-held shutoff device.
• Residential property residents may wash a vehicle or boat only on their watering day, and not between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.