Stage 2 Watering Restrictions for the Cowichan Valley 

Effective immediately, Stage 2 water restrictions are in effect for the majority of communities across the Cowichan region. These restrictions are the result of the Cowichan Valley and Vancouver Island currently being at drought level 3 or very dry and are consistent with the provincial government’s request for water purveyors to conserve water. The restrictions apply to water systems serviced by the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), local municipalities Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Cowichan Bay Improvement District and Mill Bay Waterworks District. Water systems currently on Stage 3 water restrictions will stay at this level.

Stage 2 water restrictions include:

Limiting sprinkler use from 7 am to 9 am and 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays for even numbered houses and on Thursdays and Sundays for odd numbered houses to a maximum of two hours per day

No permits issued for watering of new lawns

For trees, shrubs and gardens:

If hand watering, watering is limited to 7 am to 9 am and 7 pm to 9 pm for a maximum of two hours per day

If using micro or drip irrigation, watering is permitted anytime, up to a maximum of 4 hours per day

Washing houses, driveways and sidewalks not permitted

The CVRD and its municipal partners will continue to monitor drought and fire risk conditions and will adjust the watering restrictions accordingly. Most of the CVRD is at the extreme or high fire danger level. Backyard burning and campfires are still banned throughout the Cowichan Region.

For more information on water restrictions, drought conditions and fire risk conditions please visit cvrd.bc.ca/drought.