Stricter watering restrictions are coming to the Comox Valley next week.
The Comox Valley Regional District said Stage 3 water restrictions will take effect June 23 because BC Hydro is reducing water flows in the Puntledge River.
General manager of engineering services Kris La Rose said this is the earliest the region has moved to Stage 3 restrictions.
“As we head into the summer, it’s important that residents do their part to protect river health and ensure there is enough water available for environmental, domestic and fire protection needs.”
The restrictions apply to residences in the Comox, Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.
The CVRD water licence requires the region to move to Stage 3 restrictions when BC Hydro reduces Puntledge River flows below 11.3 cubic metres per second.
The lower flows this year are due to below-normal snowpack and precipitation levels.
Under Stage 3 restrictions, lawn watering at any time, pressure-washing driveways and boulevards or washing vehicles and boats anywhere other than a commercial car wash or dealership is prohibited.
Residents are also prohibited from filling swimming pools, hot tubs and garden ponds.
Watering trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables remains permitted at any time using a hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro-irrigation and drip-irrigation systems.
The CVRD and municipal bylaw officers will patrol affected areas and issue tickets to those violating water conservation bylaws.
Stage 4 restrictions could be introduced later if BC Hydro reduces Puntledge River flows below 5.7 cubic metres per second.
