Comox Valley implements Stage 3 water restrictions

Stage 3 water restrictions are returning to parts of the Comox Valley, effective October 8, due to severely dry conditions. The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) announced the move for properties connected to the Comox Valley Water System, including Courtenay, Comox, and K’ómoks First Nation.

BC Hydro is reducing the Puntledge River flow rate from approximately 11.3 cubic metres per second to 9 cubic metres per second to conserve water in the Comox Lake Reservoir. If dry conditions persist, flows may be further reduced to as low as 7.5 cubic metres per second. BC Hydro reported that cumulative inflows into the reservoir since mid-May are the lowest recorded in 64 years of record-keeping.

The reservoir, which is considered full at 135.3 metres, has declined from a mid-May peak of 134.4 metres to approximately 131.5 metres. Once levels fall below 131 metres, the ability to pass water to the Comox Dam becomes constrained. This marks the second time the region has implemented Stage 3 restrictions this year.