Starting next month, water restrictions in Royston and Black Creek-Oyster River will move to stage 3 as dry conditions persist.
Under stage 3 restrictions, lawn watering is not permitted along with pressure washing driveways and boulevards; filling a swimming pool, hot tub or garden pond; or washing a vehicle or boat, according to the CVRD.
Commercial car washes and dealerships are exempt.
The district says that you are allowed to water trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables between the hours of 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. However, it must be done with a hand-held container, hose with an automatic shut off or micro-irrigation systems.
Senior Water and Wastewater Services manager Kris La Rose says the restrictions are needed so that there is still water to spare throughout the summer.
“Water systems in the Comox Valley operate differently from system to system and we will continue to monitor each system as the summer unfolds,” said La Rose. “Thank you to the Comox Valley community for continuing to preserve water and do your part in reducing water use.”
The announcement comes after Vancouver Island and the South Coast saw some rain. However, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Bobby Sekhon says more persistent rain is needed to reduce the drought impacts.
The water restrictions will come into effect on Aug. 3.
