What a difference a few weeks makes.
The Cowichan Valley’s local governments downgraded watering restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2 effective Sept. 18 but effective Friday and until the end of the month, Stage 1 restrictions are in effect.
The change comes due to “significant increases in water storage at Cowichan Lake, substantial reductions in water demand from municipal water systems and precipitation forecast well into the foreseeable future,” according to a joint press release issued by local governments.
The change applies to residents not just in North Cowichan but everyone in the CVRD including the Town of Lake Cowichan, Cowichan Tribes, the City of Duncan and Ladysmith as well as those in the electoral areas.
Stage 1 restrictions allow owners or residents of even-numbered civic addresses to water on even-numbered days between 6 and 8 a.m. or between 8 and 10 p.m.
Owners of odd-numbered addresses can water during the same hours on odd-numbered days.
Folks can now wash their cars, boats, driveways and houses as well and garden irrigation permits are being issued where new sod or seed has been planted.
Hand watering of trees, shrubs, flowers, or vegetables is permitted on any day of the week between 6 and 8 a.m. or between 8 and 10 p.m. by use of a hose with a spring‐loaded nozzle or by bucket.
The new regulations also allow micro irrigation or drip irrigation systems to be utilized anytime to a maximum of four hours per day.
Commercial enterprises which require water to facilitate normal business activities such as power washing companies or window washing companies, are permitted unless ordered otherwise by the Director of Public Works.
“The Cowichan Valley local governments would like to once again thank all residents and commercial businesses for their water conservation efforts. It did make a difference,” said the release.
For further information, please visit www.NewNormalCowichan.ca or your local government website for more comprehensive details.