Water restrictions are now in effect for areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

annual change

Stage 2 water restrictions come into effect for central Island region

May 1, 2022 | 5:23 AM

NANAIMO — Seasonal water restrictions are back in effect for significant portions of central Vancouver Island.

The Regional District of Nanaimo implemented stage two restrictions effective Sunday, May 1. It limits sprinkling for a maximum of two hours a day from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on specific days.

Houses with odd house numbers can water on odd numbered days while even numbered houses can use their sprinklers on even numbered days.

“The region experienced below average rainfall in January, February, and March, but has seen April rains at slightly above normal amounts,” a release from the Regional District noted.

The Decourcey water service area, just north of Yellow Point, is listed on stage four restrictions.

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Winter snowpack, which is a key indicator behind when to increase or reduce water restrictions, was also slightly below normal through March, however precipitation through April helped restore it to normal levels.

The implementation of water restrictions is a way to future-proof the RDN’s water supply through the warmer, drier months.

Long-range forecasts are calling for below normal rainfall through the remainder of spring and the prospect of another dry summer.

The region saw a record drought through the summer in 2021, including a week-long heat dome which saw multiple temperature records smashed.

Water restrictions applied on Sunday pertain to areas of the RDN not otherwise governed by a municipal government such as the cities of Nanaimo and Parksville.

More information on current restrictions and areas affected are available on the RDN’s water restrictions website.

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