The Comox Valley Water System will move to Stage 3 Water Restrictions beginning Wednesday, October 5. These Stage 3 restrictions apply to the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions:

During Stage 3 water restrictions, residential lawn and garden watering with a sprinkler is not permitted at any time. Residents are also prohibited from pressure washing driveways and boulevards; filling a swimming pool, hot tub or garden pond; or washing a vehicle or boat other than in a commercial car wash or car dealership.

Residents connected to the Comox Valley Water System rely on water drawn from the Comox Lake Reservoir. With the completion of the new water treatment project, the water intake has moved into Comox Lake instead of directly from the BC Hydro penstock, which means that BC Hydro maintenance and repair work will no longer affect the CVRD’s ability to draw water. However, the CVRD’s water use agreement with BC Hydro is still directly tied to water storage in the reservoir and Puntledge River flow. When BC Hydro reduces flow in the Puntledge as is the case currently, this change in flow automatically triggers a higher level of water restrictions for the water system.

The CVRD will be working closely with BC Hydro to monitor the situation and will update residents as needed. BC Hydro reduces the amount of water it releases down the Puntledge River to ensure there is enough water available to keep the river flowing optimally for fish habitat and migration until the fall rains arrive. For more information, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/whyweneedrestrictions

For more information about permitted activities under Stage 3 see the schedule below or visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/restrictions.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.