Stage 1 Water Restrictions Start July 1, 2023

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Port Alberni, BC – To ensure a steady supply of safe drinking water during our hot summer, Stage 1 Water Restrictions start July 1, 2023.

Starting Saturday, July 1st from 6 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., odd-numbered addresses can water their lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers on odd-numbered calendar days; even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered calendar days.

Residents can continue with drip or micro-irrigation and hand watering using a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail or bucket any day at any time for a maximum of two hours. In addition, residents can wash vehicles and outdoor surfaces any day at any time using a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail or bucket.

“Port Alberni, like many other municipalities on Vancouver Island and throughout BC, will maintain summer watering restrictions to curb excessive water consumption during the hot summer months. Conserving water not only saves money and energy but also helps to preserve our valuable water sources. By practicing sustainable management and reducing energy consumption, we can safeguard our resources for the future,” said John Stephen, Utilities Superintendent for the City’s Engineering and Public Works Department.

 “Port Alberni is fortunate to have a multi-sourced, secure and clean supply of high quality, renewable water. Stage 1 restrictions are a reminder to consumers that the efforts made now to conserve these resources help to lessen the risk of having to enforce further restrictions if the summer is drier than anticipated. Please do your part by being mindful of your usage and watering only on the days you are permitted to,” concluded Stephen.

Some simple conservation steps that can be taken include:

• letting your lawn go gold, or dormant through the summer;
• avoiding the permanent-press cycle on your washing machine;
• taking shorter showers and installing water-saving showerheads;
• turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving;
• keeping a jug of water in the fridge – running the tap to cool off the water is wasteful; and
• checking your property for any leaks and ensuring taps and hose connections aren’t dripping.

Visit www.portalberni.ca and search ‘Water Restrictions’ for more information, including permitted watering activities, frequently asked questions and water restriction stages.  

For More Information

John Stephen

Utilities Superintendent

Engineering & Public Works, City of Port Alberni

250-720-2809

john_stephen@portalberni.ca