All water systems in the Cowichan region have now moved to Stage 3 water restrictions after the province moved eastern Vancouver Island to drought Level 4.
In what has become the new normal for summer in the Cowichan Valley, hot and dry summers are having adverse impacts on watersheds and stringent water conservation efforts are required from water purveyors and residents.
The Stage 3 restrictions apply to water systems serviced by the Cowichan Valley Regional District, local municipalities, Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Cowichan Bay Improvement District and Mill Bay Waterworks District.
Under Stage 3 restrictions, the use of sprinklers is not permitted, nor is the washing of vehicles and homes, or the filling of pools and hot tubs.
Hand watering and micro-drip irrigation of vegetable gardens and fruit trees may be done for a maximum of two hours per day, before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Watering of all other vegetation may be done for one hour per day during the same time windows.
The CVRD and its partners will continue to monitor drought and fire risk conditions and will adjust the watering restrictions accordingly.
Most of the CVRD is at the extreme or high fire danger level, and any outdoor burning is discouraged until autumn rain returns to the region.
For more information on water restrictions and drought conditions please visit http://cvrdnewnormalcowichan.ca/water-use-restrictions.