Spring’s sun has more closely resembled summer’s so far this month and whilst that’s brought high praise from beachgoers and visitors, the dry conditions have brought less glee to the District of Tofino’s water supply.
The district implemented Stage 2 water restrictions on Monday, May 29.
“May 2023 has been a significantly hotter, drier and busier month than usual. The District is requesting all visitors and residents to conserve water in an effort to delay further restrictions,” reads a statement announcing the restrictions.
The statement suggests May’s usual rainfall has been absent so far with just 4.2 mm of rain recorded as of May 26 compared to May’s annual average of about 150 mm of rain.
The town’s water consumption has also rise 50 per cent compared to May 2021 and sits at 10 per cent higher than May of 2022.
Under Stage 2, outdoor watering of lawns, gardens, trees and landscaped areas is prohibited.
Residents with odd cumbered civic addresses may water food plants with a hand-held water canister or a hose with an automatic shut-off mechanism on Monday and Thursday between 6-9 a.m. and 7-10 p.m. Residents with even numbered civic addresses may do so on Tuesday and Friday between 6-9 a.m. and 7-10 p.m.
“All other outdoor use of water is prohibited except to the minimum extent to remove salt water and provide basic hygienic cleaning.,” the statement reads, adding that filling or refilling of hot tubs is prohibited.
“District Staff are meeting with major water users weekly to encourage education and awareness, and Bylaw staff are educating users about water conservation regulations,” the statement reads. “Tofino’s tap water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Hahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’wiih.”
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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