Stage 3 water restrictions for the Comox Valley Water System have been lifted three days ahead of schedule.
This is thanks to the early completion of repair work on a main water pipe.
While the restrictions have been lifted for now, they’ll be in place once again from April 6th to 11th to accommodate additional repairs.
Stage 3 restrictions apply to the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.
The restrictions were implemented from March 15-19 while divers completed repairs on the section of pipe in the Puntledge River.
A second unrelated leak has been detected on the same water main, this time near the Tsolum River roughly 2.8 km downstream from the original repair location.
For the duration of the repair, the water system will rely on a smaller back-up pipe to supply water to the majority of the system, which can’t handle peak water volumes.
If everyone follows Stage 3 restriction guidelines, it’s expected that water use can be reduced enough during the repair to still meet the water needs of the community without requiring Stage 4 restrictions.
“The location and early detection of this second small leak means that the repair can be done quickly while we’re still outside of peak water use season,” said Kris La Rose, Senior Manager of Water and Wastewater Services.
“We appreciate the community adhering to these restrictions to ensure the repair can be completed without resorting to the highest stage of restrictions.”
During Stage 3 water restrictions, residential lawn and garden watering with a sprinkler is not allowed at any time.
You’re also not allowed to:
- pressure wash driveways and boulevards;
- fill a swimming pool, hot tub or garden pond;
- or wash a vehicle or boat other than in a commercial car wash or car dealership.
Full guidelines for Stage 3 water restriction are available here.
