Stage 3 water restrictions come into effect throughout much of the RDN on Friday, June 14. (Pixabay)

By Spencer Sterritt

water restrictions

Water conservation urged as drought conditions worsen

Jun 13, 2019 | 10:12 AM

NANAIMO — Officials are asking people throughout much of the Regional District of Nanaimo to conserve as much water as they can.

Most of the District moved into stage three water restrictions on Friday, June 14.

Stage three is the request for residents to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in ways above and beyond water-saving efforts required by stage two.

Julie Pisani, drinking water and watershed protection program coordinator, said taking extra steps to save water is crucial to prevent having to put further restrictions in place.

The last time the area hit stage four was in the drought of 2015.

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“We’re seeing very similar trends in terms of climate this year,” she said. “We really haven’t seen meaningful rainfall, even throughout the early spring.”

May was the fifth month in a row which was significantly more dry than usual.

Only 17 millimetres of rain fell, compared to the normal 54.

“There’s no point in waiting until later in the summer to initiate water restrictions,” Pisani said. “They’re most effective if implemented as a proactive measure to get folks in the habit of being really efficient with their outdoor water use.”

Stage two restrictions involve the even/odd numbered watering routine, based on your house address.

Residents are encouraged to let their lawns go golden in the hot summer heat, leave their driveways a little dusty and not keep their pool topped up.

The City of Nanaimo and District of Lantzville remain under stage two restrictions for the time being.

Nanaimo is fed from water storage reservoirs in the rural mountains west of the city, which are currently full.

More details on regional watering restrictions are available here.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit