Comox Valley Stage 3 Water Restrictions In Effect Today

Flows down the Puntledge River are being reduced.

With the very low water inflows into the watershed and the current water storage within the Comox Lake Reservoir, and the ongoing drought conditions, the move should conserve water if the dry conditions continue into November.

BC Hydro’s Stephen Watson says this summer has been very dry, with August having the lowest water inflows on record for that month, going back through 60 years of records.

The Comox Lake Reservoir generally fluctuates between 131 and 135 metres above sea-level.

When the reservoir moves below that target, as it briefly did last fall, the amount of water that can be released from the Comox Dam becomes restricted.

Reducing flows today should be helping them with storage space this fall.

Watson says they have been working with government fish agencies over the summer about considerations for fish, as well as with the Comox Valley Regional District about considerations for domestic water supply.

Those discussions will continue as needed into the fall.

Due to the reduced water flows down the Puntledge River by BC Hydro, the Comox Valley Water System is moving to Stage 3 water restrictions beginning Monday, September 11, 2023.

“Our water license requires that when BC Hydro reduces flow in the Puntledge River to below 11.3 cubic metres per second, the Comox Valley Water System is obligated to move to Stage 3 restrictions” explains Mike Herschmiller, Manager of Water Services for the Comox Valley Regional District.

"In order to keep a minimum flow down the river as we head into the fall, we need to do our part to reduce our impact as much as we can. Thank you to the Comox Valley community for their conservation efforts to ensure there is enough water available for habitat, domestic needs and fire protection.”

These restrictions include the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

During Stage 3 water restrictions, no lawn watering is permitted at any time.

Residents are also prohibited from pressure washing driveways and boulevards; filling a swimming pool, hot tub, or garden pond; or washing a vehicle or boat other than in a commercial car wash or car dealership.

Residents are allowed to water trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on any day at any time only if watering is done by a hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro-irrigation/drip-irrigation systems.

For more information, visit City of Courtenay.