Levels at the Jump Creek Reservoir, the City of Nanaimo's main water source, continue dropping due to a lack of snowmelt and precipitation, additional water restrictions are being applied. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

drought conditions

Increased water restrictions coming for Nanaimo as reservoir levels drop

Jun 5, 2026 | 9:21 AM

NANAIMO — Ongoing drought-like conditions across the mid-Island is prompting some preventative measures from local officials.

Beginning Monday, June 8, the City of Nanaimo will move to stage three water restrictions, up from the current stage two, in a bid to preserve water supply ahead of the warmest and driest summer months.

Under stage three restrictions, outdoor watering is limited to one day per week, with odd-numbered houses permitted on Mondays and even-numbered houses on Thursdays.

Watering must take place between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. and be for no more than two hours on a property’s assigned day.

Other restrictions are voluntary but highly encouraged.

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They include reducing water use when filling fountains, pools, or hot tubs, pressure washing outdoor surfaces or lawn watering.

The City notes vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from all watering restrictions.

Water restriction guidance for each of the four levels. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

Restrictions are applied based on the average water levels at the Jump Creek Reservoir, the City’s primary water source.

As of Thursday, June 4, levels were at a point where stage three restrictions are required, but far above stage four.

Water levels remain notably below the average operating level of the reservoir.

The last time the City went into stage four restrictions was in 2015.

No changes to current water restrictions have been announced for rural areas of the Regional District of Nanaimo, beyond a move to stage two for a majority of areas on May 1.

The City of Parksville moved to stage three restrictions on June 1.

Jump Creek Reservoir levels, as of June 4, 2026. (Image Credit: City of Nanaimo)

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Increased water restrictions coming for Nanaimo as reservoir levels drop

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