Stage four watering restrictions apply to all rural well-serviced customers in the RDN. (BC Government/Flickr)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

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Drought conditions force Stage 4 watering restrictions for rural RDN communities

Oct 4, 2022 | 3:00 PM

NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo announced all RDN water service areas are under stage 4 watering restrictions as of Tuesday, Oct. 4.

The highest level of restrictions applies to customers in rural areas of the RDN, outside of the municipalities of Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Restrictions include a ban on watering your lawn, no washing of vehicles or your house, and no filling of fountains, pools, or hot tubs.

Hand watering, which is only allowed between 7-10 a.m. or between 7-10 p.m., must be done using a handheld container or hose equipped with a shutoff device.

Gardens with vegetables and fruit trees are exempt from these restrictions.

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The province escalated east Vancouver Island and other areas of the province to drought level 4 on Sep. 30.

These conditions have led to low flow levels in river and stream systems throughout the RDN, causing delayed recharge of ground aquifers, which the RDN’s water system relies on.

Stage 4 watering restrictions will remain in effect until further notice as the hot, dry weather continues with no rain in the immediate forecast. Aquifers may take additional time to recharge once the wet weather finally does hit.

These actions are being taken to ensure residents still have essential water for things like drinking, hygiene, and fire protection.

The City of Nanaimo has extended their Stage 2 watering restrictions until Oct. 31 and said in a news release they have “sufficient water to meet community and environmental needs” at this time.

Stage four watering restrictions within the RDN does not apply to private wells.

A map of the RDN water service areas can be found here at rdn.bc.ca/watering-restriction-map.

For tips on water conservation, head to teamwatersmart.ca.

(RDN)

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