Water restrictions have been lifted for properties connected to the Comox Valley Water System, as well as the Black Creek–Oyster Bay, Union Bay and Graham Lake Water Local Service Areas.

The changes took effect Friday following recent wet weather, which has saturated local watersheds and significantly increased creek and river flows. Reservoirs are also beginning to refill, reaching the point where water restrictions are no longer considered necessary or effective.

Restrictions in the Royston Water Local Service Area are expected to be lifted this week, following notification from the Village of Cumberland.

Comox Valley RD General Manager of Engineering Services, Kris La Rose, says the regional district is incredibly grateful to everyone in the Comox Valley for their commitment to water conservation during a challenging and unusually dry year.

The Comox Valley RD works closely with BC Hydro to manage water use and supply within the Comox Valley Water System.

Water stored in Comox Lake is licensed and used by BC Hydro to generate electricity and maintain minimum flows for fish in the Puntledge River. Fisheries and Oceans Canada also uses the water for hatcheries and other habitat projects.

While Comox Lake remains lower than usual for this time of year, increased inflows from rivers and creeks have prompted BC Hydro to raise flows in the Puntledge River, allowing the Comox Valley RD to lift all water restrictions.

The Comox Valley Water System’s restrictions and regulations apply to residents of Courtenay, Comox and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

Current information about local water restrictions is available at Comox Valley RD.