Water conservation measures ended

Effective, November 1, water conservation measures have ended for all North Cowichan water systems. Water conservation measures are in effect every year from May 1 to October 31. Learn more at www.northcowichan.ca/water

North Cowichan, along with most neighbouring municipalities and water districts, have decreased to Stage 1 water restrictions. This follows the province’s move to decrease the drought rating to Level 2 for East Vancouver Island. 

Under Stage 1 restrictions, sprinkling with conventional irrigation systems and sprinklers is permitted two days a week  (maximum 2 hours/day) for lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens:

• Even addresses - Wednesdays and Saturdays
• Odd addresses - Thursdays and Sundays

Hand watering or micro-drip irrigation is permitted during Stage 1 for the following:

• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees - maximum 4 hours/day
• Ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens - maximum 2 hours/day
• Lawns - maximum 2 hours/day

Outdoor watering is not permitted between the hours of 9am-7pm. Water in the evening, nighttime, or early morning to reduce evaporation and avoid peak water consumption times. Visit www.northcowichan.ca/water for full details.

North Cowichan, along with most neighbouring municipalities and water districts, have decreased to Stage 2 water restrictions. This follows the province’s move to decrease the drought rating to Level 3 for East Vancouver Island. 

Under Stage 2 restrictions, sprinkling with conventional irrigation systems and sprinklers is permitted one day a week (maximum 2 hours/day) for lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens:

• Even addresses - Wednesday
• Odd addresses - Sunday

Hand watering or micro-drip irrigation is permitted during Stage 2 for the following:

• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees - maximum 4 hours/day
• Ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens - maximum 2 hours/day
• Lawns - maximum 1 hour/day

Outdoor watering is not permitted between the hours of 9am-7pm. Water in the evening, nighttime, or early morning to reduce evaporation and avoid peak water consumption times. Visit www.northcowichan.ca/water for full details.

North Cowichan, along with most neighbouring municipalities and water districts, is now at Stage 3 water restrictions. This follows the province’s move to increase the drought rating to Level 4 for East Vancouver Island. Stage 3 water restrictions came into effect Friday, July 19 until further notice. 

Under Stage 3 restrictions: 

• Conventional irrigation systems and sprinklers are not permitted
• Lawn watering is prohibited
• Filling pools & hot tubs are prohibited
• Hand watering or micro/drip irrigation only: Vegetable gardens and fruit trees are permitted to be watered 2hrs/day and ornamental trees, shrubs, and gardens permitted to be watered 1hr/day.

Outdoor watering is not permitted between the hours of 9am-7pm. Water in the evening, nighttime, or early morning to reduce evaporation and avoid peak water consumption times. 

North Cowichan, along with most neighbouring municipalities and water districts, is now at Stage 2 water restrictions. This follows the province’s move to increase the drought rating to Level 3 for East Vancouver Island. Stage 2 water restrictions came into effect Thursday, July 11, 2024 until further notice. 

Under Stage 2 restrictions, sprinkling with conventional irrigation systems and sprinklers is reduced to one day a week  (maximum 2 hours/day) for lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens:

• Even addresses - Wednesday
• Odd addresses - Sunday

Hand watering or micro-drip irrigation is permitted during Stage 2 for the following:

• Vegetable gardens and fruit trees - maximum 4 hours/day
• Ornamental trees, shrubs, and flower gardens - maximum 2 hours/day
• Lawns - maximum 1 hour/day

Outdoor watering is not permitted between the hours of 9am-7pm. Water in the evening, nighttime, or early morning to reduce evaporation and avoid peak water consumption times. Visit www.northcowichan.ca/water for full details.

For more information, please contact:
250-746-3103
environment@northcowichan.ca