No lawn watering: Stage 3 water restrictions take effect in Comox Valley

Comox Valley moves to Stage 3 water restrictions as river flows drop.

Water restrictions are being tightened across much of the Comox Valley starting Tuesday as reduced river flows force the region into Stage 3 conservation measures earlier than usual.

CVRD officials say Sunday’s water use reached about 48 million litres in a single day, more than double the roughly 20 million litres typically used during winter months, with most of the increase driven by outdoor irrigation—particularly lawn watering.

The restrictions affect households connected to the Comox Valley water system, including residents in Courtenay, Comox, K’omoks First Nation and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

The move comes after flows in the Puntledge River dropped below 11.3 cubic metres per second, the level that automatically triggers Stage 3 under the region’s water licence. The Comox Valley Regional District says reduced water releases from BC Hydro, combined with ongoing dry conditions, have pushed river levels below that threshold.

Mike Herschmiller, manager of water services with the Comox Valley Regional District, says the system is already under pressure heading into summer.

“We started the season with below normal snowpack, a very dry May, and a very dry June,” he said in an interview. “There’s just less water in the watershed than normal.”

He says BC Hydro, which manages Comox Lake levels, uses forecasting models to balance energy production with environmental flow requirements for the Puntledge River.

Restrictions in place

Under Stage 3 rules, lawn watering is banned, along with filling pools, hot tubs and ornamental ponds, and washing vehicles, boats or driveways at home.

Residents are still allowed to water gardens, trees and shrubs using hand-held containers, drip irrigation or hoses fitted with automatic shut-off nozzles.

Herschmiller says the restrictions are aimed at protecting river health during a dry season.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s necessary to conserve water,” he said. “We need to meet environmental flow needs for the river and fish habitat.”

Enforcement and outlook

Bylaw officers are actively enforcing the rules across the region, issuing warnings before handing out tickets where necessary.

Herschmiller says the CVRD is working closely with BC Hydro to monitor conditions and provide early notice if further restrictions become necessary.

He says long-term efforts are focused on reducing water consumption and demand through leak detection, system upgrades and public education, alongside growing concerns about longer, drier summers linked to climate trends.

Residents are being directed to the CVRD website for the most up-to-date restriction information.