Bone dry conditions in the region are forcing more changes to watering for not only residents, but City staff too in Parksville. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

turn off the taps

‘Significant changes’ made in Parksville to conserve water during drought

Jul 20, 2023 | 4:40 PM

PARKSVILLE — Amid harsh drought conditions, little recent rains and next-to-nothing in the forecast, the City of Parksville are tightening their belts with water.

Eastern Vancouver Island is listed at a drought level five, the highest on the provincial scale, while stage four water restrictions are in place for almost all areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo, including the City of Parksville.

A statement from the City said in response to conditions which aren’t forecast to improve any time soon, several changes either will, or already have, been made to conserve.

“Significant changes to operations have been made to reduce water required for irrigation while balancing the needs for recreation, tourism, and public safety. Major functional economic assets such as sports fields and significant trees will be preserved using efficient irrigation systems.”

In many cases, however, little can be done without running the risk of costly repairs down the road.

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The City continues to water their sports fields, suggesting without the water the grass in place would die. An alternative would be to close the fields completely and not water them, forcing costs for fencing and security to ensure no further damage.

Hours are already slimmed at the Parksville Community Park and its water park.

The jets now spray from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and are turned off elsewhere. For sanitary reasons, the water used in the parks is not recycled.

The City said the Community Park has seen a host of changes overall.

“Many systems have been completely turned off and those which remain are much reduced. Critical infrastructure would cost millions to taxpayers to replace. An example is the Arboretum, the only one in BC and one of four in Canada with ArbNet accreditation. We are watering less frequently to critical areas to protect the infrastructure, such as the outdoor stage area.”

Some trees along the park are still being watered, with signage in place to explain why.

Many are designated as ‘memorial trees’ and the City said replacing them after prolonged time without water would be extremely costly.

Finally, the City’s off-leash dog park on Despard Ave. is being watered just three days per week as the City walks a line between watering and maintaining sanitary conditions for animals and humans.

“Going to Stage 4 much earlier will help conserve and make it possible to meet water demands during peak times, satisfy river flows, and maintain emergency water storage levels for emergency firefighting,” the statement read.

More information on City of Parksville water restrictions is available on their website.

The City of Nanaimo remains on stage three water restrictions, although users are encouraged to conserve as much as they can.

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