Low flows in the Englishman River over the weekend have triggered tighter water restrictions for Parksville-area residents.
Effective Monday, the community moved to Stage 4 water conservation, which bans watering lawns or washing vehicles, boats and home siding, as well as filling fountains, pools and hot tubs. New lawn permits are also not being issued.
The city said it’s by the province to maintain minimum river flows.
A provincial order stipulates that when the average flow in the Englishman River drops below 1.20 cubic metres per second, the city should move to Stage 4 restrictions.
That lower flow was detected over the weekend.
“There has been a significant shortfall in precipitation over the summer, which has continued into September,” the city said in a statement. “The province has requested water providers reduce water usage by implementing stricter watering conditions.
The restrictions will ensure the community’s essential needs for drinking water, hygiene and fire protection are met, and that water flows for fish and aquatic habitats are maintained, said the city.
They’re also aimed at reducing pressure on surface water and groundwater sources vulnerable to ongoing drought, it said.
Parksville’s water system consists of 18 deep groundwater wells drawing from an aquifer on the south edge of the city and from the Englishman River.
