The Comox Valley Regional District has introduced a revised Comox Valley water conservation bylaw in response to the increasing frequency and severity of drought conditions.

The updates include moving what were previously Stage 4 water restrictions to a new Stage 5 designation reserved exclusively for water system emergencies and introducing new Stage 4 restrictions for extended periods of severe drought conditions.

Kris La Rose, CVRD General Manager of Engineering Services, says updating the bylaw is a proactive step for the protection of the  community’s wellbeing and the future of the water supply.

The CVRD water licence requires all communities within the Comox Valley Water System to move to Stage 4 water restrictions when BC Hydro reduces flow in the Puntledge River to below 5.7 cubic metres per second.

Although the CVRD has not historically experienced a move to Stage 4 in response to Puntledge River flows, climate patterns earlier this year indicated a possibility of Puntledge River flows dropping below the threshold for an extended period of time.

As the CVRD water licence only controls the activation of Stages 1 to 4 water restrictions, the addition of Stage 5 means it can be reserved for emergency situations only, such as water main breaks, earthquake, flood, fire, severe weather, or a prolonged power outage that causes significant impacts to the water system infrastructure.

Under stage 4 restrictions, lawn watering of any kind is prohibited.

Outdoor watering for gardens (including vegetable gardens) is allowed to keep plants alive.

Water use under Stage 5 restrictions is limited strictly to essential purposes such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Residents and businesses are urged to familiarise themselves with the updated bylaw to help protect the region’s water supply.

For more information, visit Comox Valley Regional District.