Due to reduced water flows down the Puntledge River by BC Hydro, the Comox Valley Water System has moved to Stage 3 water restrictions.

These restrictions include the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and the Comox Valley Water Local Service Area.

鈥淥ur water licence requires that when BC Hydro reduces flow in the Puntledge River to below 11.3 cubic metres per second, the Comox Valley Water System is obligated to move to Stage 3 restrictions,鈥� said Mike Herschmiller, manager of water services for the Comox Valley Regional District.

鈥淚n order to keep a minimum flow down the river as we head into the fall, we need to do our part to reduce our impact as much as we can. Thank you to the Comox Valley community for their conservation efforts to ensure there is enough water available for habitat, domestic needs and fire protection.鈥�

During Stage 3 water restrictions, no lawn watering is permitted at any time. Residents are also prohibited from pressure washing driveways and boulevards; filling a swimming pool, hot tub or garden pond; or washing a vehicle or boat other than in a commercial car wash or car dealership.

Residents are allowed to water trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on any day at any time only if watering is done by a hand-held container, a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or micro-irrigation/drip-irrigation systems.

For more details about permitted and banned activities under Stage 3, visit Stage 3 Water Restrictions on the website.