Stage 4 Water Restrictions Enforced Across Mid-Island Communities Amid Drought

Several communities in North America and the UK are imposing water restrictions due to drought conditions, low river flows, and maintenance issues impacting water supply. In the Regional District of Nanaimo, stage four water restrictions will prohibit sprinkler use, washing of exterior surfaces, and filling pools starting August 1, prompted by below-average groundwater and low river flows. Southwick has mandated water restrictions on all non-essential outdoor use due to low flow of the Westfield River. Southern Water in the UK is considering a Non-Essential Use Ban with stricter limits on commercial and non-domestic water use, contingent on further river flow monitoring. In Durham, Ontario, mandatory restrictions were imposed due to a filter maintenance problem reducing plant capacity, requiring residents to stop all non-essential indoor and outdoor water use during a heat wave. Meanwhile, Port Alberni has enacted Stage 1 water restrictions with odd-even lawn watering schedules and limits on residential washing to conserve water during hot, dry summer months.