The Municipality of North Cowichan has adopted an updated waterworks bylaw that aligns with the region’s other water providers and adds an additional stage of water restrictions as a tool to implement in times of extreme drought.
The updates follow a collaborative review between North Cowichan, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and other water purveyors in the region to modernize and develop common stages for all Cowichan Valley water systems.
“Conserving water protects our water supplies and extends the life of our water licences and infrastructure (the pumps, pipes and reservoirs) used to deliver water to you,” said Mayor Al Siebring.
“Having the new Stage 4 in place is important so that we’re ready to respond if we see another intense drought on eastern Vancouver Island as we experienced in 2021.”
In addition to adding a Stage 4, Stages 1-3 have also been updated to reflect the area’s hotter and drier summers and to provide more flexibility for residents to water during periods of lower evaporation (evening, nighttime, and early morning), while limiting other unnecessary water uses during extended droughts.
North Cowichan is currently at Stage 2. For full details of Stage 2 restrictions and more, visit www.northcowichan.ca/water.