Stricter water restrictions are coming to the Comox Valley early next month.
Stage two restrictions are coming to the Black Creek – Oyster River, Comox Valley and Royston water systems on June 4.
The Village of Cumberland also said stage two restrictions will take effect to help conserve water for a safe supply through the summer.
“This is part of a regional response to the dry weather conditions our watershed has experienced this year and record low levels of rainfall and snowpack reported locally and at a provincial level,” said the village in a news release.
Under stage two restrictions in Cumberland, even numbered addresses may only water their lawns on Wednesday from 4 to 10 a.m., and 7 to 10 p.m.
Odd numbered addresses are permitted during the same hours on Thursday only.
Water, trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables can be watered with a sprinkler on any day during those hours.
Hand-held containers, a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle, using micro-irrigation or drip-irrigation systems are allowed to be used on any day at any time.
Vehicles are also still allowed to be washed at any time.
Water cannot be used to wash sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or preparing a surface prior to paving or repointing bricks.
It also cannot be used on exterior windows or building surfaces unless necessary for applying products like paint, preservatives and stucco.
For Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) water systems, lawn and garden sprinkling is permitted between 6 and 7:30 a.m. and 8 and 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday for even numbered addresses and Wednesday and Sunday for odd numbered addresses.
General manager of engineering services Kris La Rose said temperatures continue to rise and rainfall is becoming scarcer, prompting the earlier than usual move to stage two.
“By reducing our water use earlier in the year, we can protect our natural resources and also, hopefully prevent further restrictions over the coming months.”
The CVRD said bylaw teams will be patrolling areas and issuing warnings and tickets for those not following restrictions.
