Hand watering of gardens is still permitted under stage four water restrictions, which are now in effect. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

bone dry

Stage four water restrictions are now in effect for RDN

Jul 5, 2023 | 9:49 AM

NANAIMO — Many areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are now under stage 4 water restrictions, effective immediately.

This follows the provincial government increasing the drought level for eastern Vancouver Island to a four on July 2, ahead of what is typically the Island’s driest months.

Stage four restrictions include bans on lawn watering, washing of vehicles, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, exterior building surfaces, and no filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, or garden pond water features.

Areas infected include all nine mainly rural districts of the RDN as well as Lantzville, Parksville, and Bowser. The City of Nanaimo remains on stage three, along with Deep Bay, Qualicum Bay and Southwest Wellington.

Stage three is similar to stage two restrictions, with the addition of asking residents to voluntarily reduce their water usage.

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The Town of Qualicum Beach is reporting stage one restrictions.

Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions, even in stage four.

Drip irrigation is permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Hand watering of gardens is allowed by must be done using a hand-held container or hose equipped with a shutoff valve.

Private wells are not subject to these restrictions, but conservation is encouraged.

This increase in water restrictions comes less than a month after stage three restrictions were enacted in mid-June.

A map of the affected water service areas can be found here.

More information on how you can conserve water can be found here through RDN’s WaterSmart initiative.

(RDN)

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