The Comox Valley Regional District has imposed Stage 4 water restrictions to users of the Comox Valley Water System from April 12-22, while an emergency water pipe repair takes place.
READ: Stage 4 water restrictions upcoming
The restrictions will be particularly trying for many businesses that rely on water to operate - i.e. window-washing companies, greenhouses, etc., and CVRD manager of external relations, Christianne Wile said the district has been reaching out to affected companies in an effort to explain the situation.
“We have hired a business outreach co-ordinator who has been answering questions from businesses, as well as reaching out to a number of businesses directly that require significant daily use of water,” said Wile. “While we do not have the capacity to reach out to all businesses that require water, we have been in contact with nearly 200 businesses, and this has helped a large number of them prepare in advance - some have purchased storage tanks, are using collected rainwater for the duration of the repair, or are adjusting appointments to work around the restrictions.
“This is the first time we have ever been in Stage 4, so it’s natural that businesses would have questions.”
Businesses can call 250-334-6006 to speak to the outreach co-ordinator.
One exception to the Stage 4 water restrictions that has come under fire is the allowable irrigation of local government playing fields (i.e. soccer pitches).
Wile said there will be no such irrigating taking place during this emergency period.
“That is not happening - the municipalities have made a commitment that they will not be irrigating playing fields, and the school districts will not be irrigating playing fields either.”
All municipal irrigation will cease for the period of the Stage 4 restrictions.
Wile added that the municipalities have also agreed to suspend other non-emergency operational work, such as road sweeping, sewer flushing and hydrant maintenance.
The CVRD’s recreation facilities will remain open. The water in the pools and hot tubs are recirculated, and do not require draining and refilling. The Recreation Department is doing its part for Stage 4 by conducting the following activities:
Aquatic Centre
* hosing of pool decks and other surfaces only when biohazards are present
* posting signs to encourage shorter showers and turning off the shower while lathering
* closing the steam room for the duration of the Stage 4 restrictions
Sports Centre
* Arena 1 closed for the duration of the restrictions
* Arena 2 open with limited ice times
Exhibition Grounds
* No dust control on riding rings
* No watering of fields