City of Courtenay Encourages Water Conservation Ahead of Summer Demand

As temperatures rise and lawns begin to grow, the City of Courtenay is reminding residents to follow watering restrictions and help conserve water during the high-demand summer season.

Water restrictions help manage our everyday usage to ensure we don’t put unnecessary strain on our water system. This helps maintain pressure and reserves, especially during dry periods or high demands.

Water use in Courtenay increases significantly in the summer months from outdoor lawn watering, with 2023 and 2024 showing the biggest jumps in peak summertime water consumption over the past decade.

“This seasonal demand places a real strain on our water system,” said Rod Armstrong, Manager of Utilities Services. “Reducing unnecessary outdoor watering helps protect our water supply, avoids overloading the system, and supports long-term sustainability.”

Unanticipated increases in water use can also impact the City’s water utility budget. Potable water consumption must be forecasted annually for setting budgets and water rates.

In 2024, the City issued 287 watering infractions, including 37 repeat offenses, highlighting a continued need for public awareness and compliance. Most infractions were related to residential lawn watering.

This summer, Courtenay’s Bylaw Services will be conducting evening and weekend patrols enforcing the water restrictions. Residents using water contrary to restrictions will receive an initial notification, either by a doorhanger left at their door or by a direct visit from Bylaw Services. Any subsequent infractions would result in a ticket for non-compliance.

As part of the City’s water conservation program, beginning May 1 summer students will be providing door-to-door water conservation and lawn watering tips to residents while completing their neighbourhood visits.

Residents are encouraged to do their part by adjusting their outdoor water use, especially during peak demand periods. Every small action counts – watering less frequently, using mulch and following designated watering days can make a significant difference.

For full details on current watering restrictions and tips on conserving water at home, visit www.courtenay.ca/water.

Fast Facts

• The City recorded 287 watering infractions, including 37 repeat offenses, indicating non-compliance with existing water restrictions.​
• Most complaints and infractions were related to residential lawn watering, reinforcing the importance of targeting outdoor water use.
• In the City of Courtenay daily summer water use increases by 2.4 times when compared to winter water consumption.
• In 2024, the peak month consumption in July was 926,369 m3 which was the highest recorded monthly consumption from 2015–2024.
• Seasonal outdoor water use in 2023 and 2024 accounted for 27 per cent of the total annual water use, costing approximately $1.6 million per year in bulk water charges. 
• Parks has reduced the number of boulevards that are being watered, some due to plants reach-ing maturity. Other water conservation measures include minimizing watering to a level that ensures plant survival rather than for aesthetics i.e. green grass, transitioning the majority of garden zones from sprinkler to drip irrigation, when plant materials are needing replacement drought tolerant plants are selected, and a turf fertility program to reduce turfgrass water needs.

Quotes

“This seasonal demand places a real strain on our water system,” said Rod Armstrong, Manager of Utilities Services. “Reducing unnecessary outdoor watering helps protect our water supply, avoids overloading the system, and supports long-term sustainability.”