Stage 2 water restrictions begin today

The Comox Valley is now under Stage 2 water restrictions.

The valley moved to Stage 2 restrictions today as BC Hydro reduces flows in the Puntledge River.

Under Stage 2 Water Restrictions, watering days are:

• Tuesdays and Saturdays for even-numbered addresses from 6:00 to 8:00am and 8:00 to 10:00pm
• Wednesdays and Sundays for odd numbered addresses from 6:00 to 8:00am and 8:00 to 10:00pm

No sprinklers are permitted for lawn or garden watering on Monday, Thursday or Friday.

Residents connected to the Comox Valley Water System rely on water from the Puntledge River downstream of Comox Lake Reservoir. 

During times of drought, BC Hydro reduces the amount of water it releases down the Puntledge to protect fish habitat and ensure there is enough water storage available to last the summer and early fall.

Despite some rain over the past couple of weeks, the East Vancouver Island Basin is categorized as very dry on the B.C. Drought Map.

The basin includes the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

The Comox Valley Region District says that water supply projections from now until September are forecasted to continue that trend and be well below average. 

Residents should be prepared to move to Stage 3 restrictions in August should drought conditions persist. 

The CVRD says it will be working closely with BC Hydro to monitor the situation and will update residents as needed.

For more information about permitted activities under Stage 2 restrictions, click here.