Water Conservation

The Province monitors drought conditions and sets the Provincial Drought Code, which is a general indicator of the status of environmental conditions in various regions of BC. North Cowichan implements water restrictions in step with the Province’s drought level, while monitoring our water system demand and environmental conditions of our water sources. Water restrictions are adjusted, as needed, and generally align with the region’s other water providers. 

Operational changes during higher stage water restrictions:

  • Irrigation is turned off on most sports fields, small green space parks and boulevard plantings.
  • Adhering to minimum water usage for critical sports fields (i.e., sand fields). These types of fields do not go dormant like a typical residential lawn, but actually die, resulting in the expensive loss of recreational infrastructure.
  • Switching to drip irrigation wherever possible.

Outdoor watering is not permitted between the hours of 9am - 7pm.

Overview of water restrictions

Download or print a copy of this table

 Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
Effective DateMay 1 - Oct 31 annuallyProvincial Drought Code 3 1: Effective Date as requiredProvincial Drought Code 4 1: Effective Date as requiredProvincial Drought Code 5 1: Effective Date as required
Conventional irrigation systems and sprinklers
Lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, flower gardens

2 hours/day

Even addresses - Wed & Sat

Odd addresses - Thu & Sun

2 hours/day

Even addresses - Wed

Odd addresses - Sun

Not permittedNot permitted
New lawns 2

2 hours/day

Any day

Requires Garden Irrigation Permit

1 hour/day

Any day

Requires Garden Irrigation Permit (permits must be obtained prior to Stage 2 restrictions)

1 hour/day

Any day

Requires Garden Irrigation Permit (permits must be obtained prior to Stage 2 restrictions)

Not permitted
Hand watering, micro/drip irrigation 3
Vegetable gardens, fruit trees4 hours/day4 hours/day2 hours/day2 hours/day
Ornamental trees, shrubs, flower gardens2 hours/day2 hours/day1 hour/day1 hour/day
Lawns2 hours/day1 hour/dayNot permittedNot permitted
New lawns 22 hours/day1 hour/day

1 hour/day 

Requires Garden Irrigation Permit (permits must be obtained before Stage 2 restrictions)

Not permitted
Other outdoor water use
Filling pools & hot tubsNo RestrictionsNo RestrictionsNot Permitted 4Not Permitted 4
Washing vehicles or boatsNo RestrictionsNo RestrictionsPermitted under certain circumstances 5Not Permitted
Washing driveways, houses and sidewalksNo RestrictionsPermitted under certain circumstances 5Permitted under certain circumstances 5Not Permitted
Sports fields 6Reduced wateringReduced water, conservation measuresReduced or eliminated waterReduced or eliminated water
Private wells, Agriculture 7Regulated by Provincial Government (Not supplied from community potable water systems)

4. Pools filled prior to Stage 3 water use restrictions being implemented may be topped up to account for evaporation losses in order to avoid damage to pumps, etc. Municipal recreation facilities exempt.

5. For residential properties, washing driveways, houses or sidewalks is only permitted during Stages 2 and 3 in preparation for applying paints, preservatives or for pouring concrete. Residential washing (i.e. not at a car wash facility which reuses water) of vehicles and boats is only permitted in Stage 3 in preparation of applying paints or preservatives. Commercial enterprises which require water use to facilitate normal business activities are exempt from some Stage 2 and 3 water restrictions. These include nurseries, turf farms or tree farms, car wash / detailers, power washing companies, window washing companies, etc.

6. School and municipal playing fields are often sand-based and require regular watering. For that reason they are exempt from sprinkling regulations. Regardless, efforts are made to reduce water use and the irrigation timings are adjusted to reduce evaporation and avoid times of higher water consumption.

7. If necessary the Provincial Government can require the curtailment of water use for private wells and for agricultural purposes.

To learn more about exemptions in place, see the Waterworks Bylaw (PDF).

Reporting

Compliance of water conservation measures is required by all owners and occupiers within North Cowichan. To report a violation, fill out the form below. 

Report a watering restriction violation