Ladysmith, CVRD move to Stage 3 water restrictions

Lawn watering banned across Cowichan Valley as Stage 3 rules take effect July 3.

Ladysmith is tightening water-use rules as the ongoing drought continues to lower levels in its main source, Holland Lake.

The town will move into Stage 3 water restrictions on Friday, a step officials say is needed to slow declining reservoir levels during a period of sustained dry weather and high seasonal demand.

The restrictions apply to Ladysmith, Stz’uminus First Nation and the Diamond Improvement District.

At the same time, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is placing all of its water systems under Stage 3 restrictions effective July 3, with Shellwood and Dogwood moving to Stage 4 due to more severe local conditions.

Stage 3 rules in Ladysmith prohibit all lawn and turf watering, regardless of system. Sprinklers, in-ground irrigation and soaker hoses are not permitted.

Outdoor watering is limited to hand watering or micro and drip irrigation systems, including weeper hoses, and only for gardens, trees, shrubs and food crops. Watering is allowed only between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to reduce evaporation.

Residents are also prohibited from washing vehicles, boats, driveways, sidewalks or homes, and filling pools or hot tubs is not allowed except for minor top-ups.

Some exemptions remain. Essential commercial operations, including car washes and nurseries, may continue water use, while municipal and school sports fields are allowed limited irrigation to maintain safe conditions.

Across the region, CVRD Stage 3 rules also ban lawn watering and all sprinkler use. Outdoor watering is restricted to hand watering or micro and drip irrigation during the same early morning and evening time windows.

Sprinklers and soaker hoses are not permitted under either system due to water loss through evaporation and runoff.

Ladysmith officials say Holland Lake levels have been steadily dropping through the spring and early summer, with hot, dry conditions increasing demand and limiting recovery.

Non-compliance with Ladysmith’s water bylaw can result in fines of up to $2,000 per day.

Residents are being asked to reduce water use wherever possible as the region moves deeper into coordinated drought restrictions.