Users of the Comox Valley Water System will be under mandatory Stage 4 water restrictions from April 12 to 22 while an emergency water pipe repair takes place.
In order to maintain sufficient water flows for domestic and firefighting water needs, all use of water for any purpose other than drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene is prohibited during this time.
“A major repair is needed due to a significant leak in the main transmission pipe for the Comox Valley Water Systems,” said Marc Rutten, general manager of engineering services for the Comox Valley Regional District. “To isolate the leak, water has been redirected through a smaller back-up pipe. Mandatory water restrictions are necessary to ensure water demands during this time are not greater than the pipe’s capacity.”
CVRD staff have been working intensively with consulting engineers, contractors and regulators to plan a complicated repair to the affected water pipe. The repair in mid-April will include welding by a diver in the most difficult to access section of pipe, which is located under the Puntledge River.
“Without Stage 4 restrictions, the secondary line will not be able to handle the forecasted water demand,” Rutten said. “Non-compliance will make demands on the pipe untenable, and the system may not be able to supply the water needed for indoor and firefighting use.”
During Stage 4 all use of water for any purpose other than drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene is prohibited. Residents are encouraged to report infractions to City of Courtenay bylaw enforcement at 250-334-4441, or the CVRD and Town of Comox bylaw enforcement at 250-334-6006. Prohibited uses of water during this stage include the following:
•watering lawns, gardens, plants and trees in any manner or by any means, including watering by hand;
•filling or topping off or operating residential or commercial pools, hot tubs or ponds or fountains;
•operating local government outdoor water parks and pools;
•washing vehicles, boats or outdoor surfaces;
•irrigating golf courses and other public and/or school district property;
For businesses that depend on outdoor water use, call 205-334-6006 to find out how your business is impacted and discuss strategies for managing your water use during this time.
For more information on Stage 4 water restrictions, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.