Stage 3 water restrictions are in effect on Tuesday for residents and businesses in the Comox Valley Regional District.

The restrictions will apply to any residence in the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, K’omoks First Nation, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

BC Hydro is set to further reduce the flow rate in the Puntledge River, which is leading to the changes.

The Comox Valley RD is required to move to Stage 3 water restrictions when BC Hydro reduces flow in the Puntledge River to below 11.3 cubic metres per second. Levels may be further reduced in mid-July.

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 with a hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro-irrigation/drip-irrigation systems.

The CVRD says it and municipal bylaw enforcement will be on patrol, issuing tickets for those not following water conservation bylaw requirements.

General Manager of Engineering Services Kris La Rose says this is the earliest the community has been required to move to Stage 3 water restrictions.

You can find more information at Comox Valley Regional District.