Due to low water levels combined with low inflows into the Comox Lake reservoir and in anticipation of little rainfall in the days ahead, the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has moved to stage two water restrictions until the fall rains begin.
“As of Oct. 1, the Comox Valley water system typically moves to stage one water restrictions, however given this year’s situation, the CVRD recognizes the importance of working with BC Hydro and the Department of Fisheries to support water conservation during low flow periods,” said Marc Rutten, CVRD’s senior manager of engineering.
Most of the Comox Valley has been on higher stage-three water restrictions due to BC Hydro's annual maintenance work on the Puntledge River generating station.
Hydro has advised the CVRD that since the middle of July the reservoir has been steadily declining. While currently not in a critical situation, river flows could be adversely affected in
coming weeks unless water conservation efforts are implemented now.
A prolonged fall dry spell reduces the amount of water that is available to be released downstream for minimum fish flow requirements.
During stage two water restrictions, residents may only use a sprinkler to water a lawn growing on a property with:
• An even-numbered address, on Tuesday and Saturday between 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. They may not use a sprinkler to water the lawn on any other day or time;
• An odd numbered address, on Wednesday and Sunday between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. They may not use a sprinkler to water the lawn on any other day or time.
Other restrictions are outlined in the bylaw and can be located on the CVRD website at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.
Stage two water restrictions apply to areas serviced by the Comox Valley local water system, which includes the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox, the Arden, Comox Valley, England Road,
Marsden/Camco and Greaves Crescent.
The CVRD will assess the situation with BC Hydro and will notify residents when a lower water restriction stage is in effect by updating the CVRD website www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions, its social media pages including Facebook and Twitter and the water restriction signs located in high traffic areas of the Comox Valley.
— Comox Valley Regional District