Check Water Restrictions

What watering restrictions are in effect where you live?

Select Your Water Service Area
 
 

Check Water Restrictions

 

 

Note: Private wells are not subject to municipal watering restrictions, but conservation is encouraged as water is a shared resource.

 

 

2025 Regional Outdoor Water Conservation Framework

 

Water Conservation Stage 1 2 3 4
Effective Dates Begins April 1 May 1-October 31 As required
Frequency Any day. Every other day. Even # houses on even days, odd # house on odd days. One day per week. Even # houses on Thursdays, odd # house on Mondays. Sprinkling ban: lawn watering is not permitted.
Watering times Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Between 7 - 10 a.m. or 7 - 10 p.m. for 2 hours max. Between 7 - 10 a.m. or 7 - 10 p.m. for 2 hours max. Sprinkling ban: lawn watering is not permitted.
Washing vehicles, boats, houses (siding) Anytime. Anytime on your watering day. Between 7 - 10 a.m. or 7 - 10 p.m. on your watering day.  Between 7 - 10 a.m. or 7 - 10 p.m. once per week on your level 3 watering day. 
Hand-watering, drip irrigation Anytime. Anytime. Voluntary restrictions encouraging residents to reduce water use where they are able to. Between 7 - 10 a.m. or 7 - 10 p.m.
Filling fountains, pools, hot tubs Anytime. Anytime on your watering day. Voluntary restrictions encouraging residents to reduce water use where they are able to. Not permitted.
Pressure washing walkways, driveways, siding Anytime. Anytime on your watering day. Voluntary restrictions encouraging residents to reduce water use where they are able to. Only prior to application of paint, preservative, stucco, or sealant. 
New lawn permits Can apply for a permit. Can apply for a permit. Voluntary restrictions encouraging residents to reduce water use where they are able to. No permits issued. 
Vegetable gardens and fruit trees exempt from all watering restrictions, even in stage 4.
 
  • Check with your local water supply provider on specific regulations within your service area
    • For residents in Surfside and DeCourcey Water Service Areas, please see specific watering restrictions here. 
  • Private wells are not subject to municipal watering restrictions, but conservation is encouraged because water is a shared resource.
  • Hand watering must be done using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shutoff device.
  • Micro-irrigation and drip-irrigation consist of water delivered to the root zone of a plant and use less than 20 gallons per hour at less than 25 PSI.
  • Washing vehicles, boats, and houses (siding) must be done using a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shutoff device.
  • During Water Conservation Level 4, lawn watering is banned, even by hand-watering. 
  • During Level 4, flowers, shrubs, and ornamental trees can be watered by hand only between 7-10 a.m. or 7-10 p.m. 
  • Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from the Level 4 watering ban.  

Contact Information - Water Supply Providers

 
Deep Bay Improvement District 250-757-9312
Bowser Waterworks District 250-757-8363
Qualicum Bay Horne Lake Waterworks District 250-757-8507
Little Qualicum Waterworks District 250-927-5004
Town of Qualicum Beach 250-752-6921
EPCOR French Creek 250-951-2460
City of Parksville 250-248-5412
District of Lantzville 250-390-4006
City of Nanaimo 250-758-5222
North Cedar Improvement District 250-722-3711
Southwest Extension Waterworks 250-753-5449
RDN Water Service Areas

Including:

  • Decourcey (in Yellow Point)
  • Nanoose Bay Peninsula
  • River's Edge
  • San Pareil
  • French Creek
  • Whiskey Creek
  • Melrose Terrace
  • Surfside
  • Westurne Heights
250-390-6560