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City of Nanaimo water supply update

Nanaimo residents demonstrating excellence in conserving water

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 30, 2015 11:29 AM

Summary

Nanaimo residents have continued to respond to the elevated water conservation measures implemented June 15. Daily consumption has declined by 15 per cent, from 59.5 million litres per day to 50 million litres per day. Under level two conservation, even numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays while odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays.

The City of Nanaimo’s water supply at Jump Lake is currently 78 per cent full. Compared to previous years, summertime draw-down started approximately one month earlier than normal. Given the storage level and the corresponding level of consumption, the City is confident there is sufficient water storage to last into November.

Link to Strategic Plan: This supports the strategic priority of water and encourages conservation.

Key Points

  • Nanaimo residents have been self-regulating in response to the warmer drier weather and practising water conservation. There have been significant declines in consumption compared to earlier years.
  • The City believes that education and encouragement rather than enforcement has contributed positively to conservation.
  • The increased conservation level supports the Province's call for voluntary water use reduction and helps to ensure the City's water supply will remain in good shape for the duration of the summer.
  • This is the sixth update on water levels since late March, when the City advised it was monitoring water levels and climatic conditions carefully. The City will continue to monitor and provide updates to the public.

Quotes

"Two main factors have helped build resiliency to drought: Nanaimo residents have been practising water conservation for decades, to the point that overall annual consumption is declining year over year. The second factor is that Jump Lake - the source of supply - is located well back in the mountains and received significant rainfall in the early spring, leaving it full by early June. The City's water supply is in good shape with sufficient water to last into November. This cautious approach will ensure that the system remains robust.

We are very impressed with residents' positive response in conserving water; a 15 per cent drop since implementing level two restrictions is very significant. Also, we encourage residents to let their lawns go naturally dormant during the summer and look forward to green lawns when the fall rains start."

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
Engineering & Public Works

Quick Facts

  • The City is running Water Saver Champion contest: nominate your neighbour who's a water saver for a chance to win the coveted Rubber Ducky trophy!
  • No watering is permitted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • No washing of driveways, sidewalks or parking lots is permitted. All water hoses must have a hand-held shutoff device.
  • Residential property residents may wash a vehicle or boat only on their watering day, and not between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
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Contact:

Bill Sims
Manager, Water Resources
Engineering & Public Works
250-756-5302
John Elliot
Manager, Utilities
Engineering & Public Works
250-756-5305

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