Stage 1 Water Restrictions set to go into effect July 1, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – June 25, 2026. With the return of hotter, dryer weather in the Alberni Valley, the City of Port Alberni will move to Stage 1 water restrictions effective July 1, 2026. 

Starting Wednesday, residents should adhere to the following watering schedule: 

• Odd-numbered addresses can water their lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on odd-numbered calendar days.
• Even-numbered addresses can water their lawns, trees, shrubs and flowers from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 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, including vegetable gardens. In addition, residents can wash vehicles and outdoor surfaces any day at any time using a spring-loaded nozzle or watering pail or bucket.

“With hot, dry conditions forecast for the summer, moving to Stage 1 water restrictions is a prudent step we take each year to help protect our drinking water supply,” said John Stephen, Utilities Superintendent for the City’s Engineering and Public Works Department.  “These annual measures support responsible water use and help ensure we can continue to meet community needs throughout the drier months.”

Some simple conservation steps that can be taken include:

• letting your lawn go gold, or dormant through the summer;

• installing an irrigation timer, or setting an alarm reminder to turn off sprinklers;

• taking shorter showers and installing water-saving showerheads;

• turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving;

• 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.  

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