Current Water Restrictions

Regular Stage 1 Watering Restrictions are in effect from May 1-October 31 annually for the Town of Ladysmith, Diamond Improvement District and Stz’uminus First Nation.

These regular annual restrictions are intended to help control water usage as we start watering lawns and gardens with the warmer, dryer weather. 

Remember, being water-wise throughout the year can also save you money. With a little effort, we can reduce the amount of water we use at home by as much as 40 percent!

Thank you for your cooperation

Why is the Town of Ladysmith in Stage 2 water restrictions while other areas in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) are still in Stage 1?

The region adjusts water restrictions based on the Province's drought levels. In late May, the CVRD considered moving to Stage 2 after hearing the drought level might rise to Level 3. Town of Ladysmith staff disagreed and asked to wait until June 1 before moving to Stage 2, which the CVRD accepted.

Additionally, Town staff reported extremely dry conditions in our watershed, which is unusual for this time of year. Staff also observed an increase in demand earlier than expected. Given these factors, plus the weather forecast and the likelihood of a provincial drought level increase, staff recommended moving to Stage 2 on June 1.

Although the provincial drought level didn’t rise as expected, the Town moved to Stage 2 water restrictions as planned on June 1. This is because our water licence only allows water to flow from Bannon Creek to Holland Lake between November 1 and June 1. From June 2 to October 31, we can no longer replenish Holland Lake while continuing to draw from it.

The CVRD’s decision to remain in Stage 1 is based on the provincial drought level, which did not increase on June 1.

With drier summers and increasing demand, water conservation is becoming a long-term reality, not just a seasonal inconvenience. Stage 2 helps our community adapt to this new normal by making mindful water use part of everyday life.

Other Facts:

Our treated-water reservoir must stay ≥80% for fire protection.

The Arbutus Reservoir is our emergency fire hydrant reserve, and it must stay greater than or equal to 80% capacity. Stage 2 and Stage 3 water restrictions reduce non-essential use, allowing us to maintain that margin. 

Recently, we saw a spike in usage, which pushed the reservoir below 75% for the better part of the day. This is a rare and uncomfortable situation that requires notification to the fire chief and is something the Town strives to avoid at all times.

 

High-demand days drain storage faster than we can refill.

It can take up to 12 hours for water from Holland Lake to reach our intake. On top of that, it takes several days of monitoring and careful valve adjustments to fine-tune the flow—ensuring there's enough water for fish downstream and meeting the water treatment plant’s 24-hour demand without excess spilling over the dam.

Sudden spikes in water use disrupt this balance. Stage 2 and 3 restrictions help smooth out demand, keeping intake settings stable and reducing water loss.

Frequently Asked Questions -- Water Supply & Management

Water Restriction Frequently asked Questions

The Town would like to thank the citizens of Ladysmith for your co-operation during our water restriction period.

In the event of an emergency involving water, sewer or drainage, please call Infrastructure Services at 250.245.6445.

Check out our most recent Frequently Asked Questions on Ladysmith's water supply and management..  If you want more information, call us at 250.245.6400, or email info@ladysmith.ca with your question.


The Town obtains its water from two sources -- Holland Creek and Stocking Lake. 

Water is a very precious resource, and therefore the Town is taking several measures to encourage citizens to reduce consumption, including:

  • Implementation of water restrictions during the dry season
  • Installation of water meters at all residences and businesses to help determine and repair any leaks in the system and to monitor consumption
  • Distribution of educational water-wise mail-outs to all households
  • Implementation of regulations making low-flow toilets mandatory in all new construction and renovations
  • Installation of low-flow toilets in all municipal facilities
  • Undertaking capital upgrades to the water supply and storage system

Find out more about Ladysmith's water supply system and water conservation - Fast Facts -- Water, or check out our Water Conservation page.