All jurisdictions in the Cowichan Valley are moving to Stage 2 watering restrictions effective Monday, following the lead of Ladysmith which went to Stage 2 on Monday.
It’s also a reaction to the province to declaring Vancouver Island is at Drought Level 3 – the second most severe classification.
The Cowichan Valley governments say by moving to Stage 2 they can come near to reducing water use by 30 per cent.
During Stage 2:
Sprinkling of lawns is restricted to 2 hours maximum (between 6:00 and 8:00 am or between 8:00 and 10:00 pm) twice a week, corresponding with one’s house number (Wednesday and Saturday for even numbered houses and Thursday and Sunday for odd numbered houses).
Hand watering of gardens, trees, and shrubs with a hose with a spring‐loaded nozzle, watering bucket, or pail continue to be allowed each day (maximum 2 hours per day).
Those with micro drip irrigation systems may water any time to a maximum of 4 hours per day as these systems are designed to deliver water to the root of the plant and use less than 20 gallons per hour at less than 25 psi.
Garden irrigation permits to allow watering for new lawns and large scale landscaping projects will not be issued during Stage 2 restrictions.
Visit your local government website for more details.
