Effective May 1, 2026, outdoor water conservation measures are in place across much of eastern Vancouver Island in response to the heightened risk of drought. As of May 1, Stage 2 outdoor water conservation comes in effect for customers in all Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Water Service Areas, with exception of the Decourcey and Surfside Water Service Areas, which will remain at Stage 4 until further notice.
Under Stage 2, lawn sprinkling is restricted as follows:
- Even-numbered addresses may sprinkle only on even-numbered calendar days
- Odd-numbered addresses may sprinkle only on odd-numbered calendar days
- Sprinkling is permitted for a maximum of two hours per day, either between 7 and 10 a.m. or between 7 and 10 p.m.
- Vegetable gardens and drip irrigation systems are exempt from these restrictions
Stage 2 restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are encouraged to regularly check their specific water provider’s website, as water system capacity and conditions vary across the region.