Stage 2 water restrictions will come into effect early this year in parts of the region.

Beginning Thursday, June 4, residents and businesses in the Black Creek-Oyster Bay, Comox Valley, and Royston Water Systems will move to Stage 2 restrictions, based on current water flow levels in the local Comox Valley Watershed and a lower-than-normal snowpack this past winter.

The Comox Valley Water System includes residents in the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and all three electoral areas (A, B and C).

General Manager of Engineering Services, Kris La Rose, says as temperatures rise and rainfall becomes increasingly scarce, it's more important than ever for everyone to conserve water.

Under Stage 2, lawn and garden sprinkling is permitted between 6 am and 7:30 am, and 8 pm and 9:30 pm on Tuesday and Saturday for even numbered addresses, and Wednesday and Sunday for odd numbered addresses.

Local Bylaw teams will be patrolling areas and issuing warnings and tickets to those not following these restrictions.

Fines start at $100 and are subject to the applicable water conservation and ticketing bylaws of each municipality.

You can find more details, and view your watering schedule, at Comox Valley Regional District.