Current Water Restrictions

From May 1 to October 31 each year, Stage 1 Watering Restrictions apply in the Town of Ladysmith, Diamond Improvement District, and Stz’uminus First Nation.

These seasonal restrictions help manage water use as outdoor watering increases during the warmer, drier months.

Remember, using water wisely year-round not only supports conservation, but it can also lower your utility bill. With small changes, households can reduce water use by up to 40%.

**Click images below to enlarge**
2025 Stage 2

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 at or above 80% capacity. Stage 2 and Stage 3 water restrictions reduce non-essential use, helping maintain that margin.

    Recently, we saw a spike in usage that pushed the reservoir below 75% for much of the day. This rare and concerning situation requires notification to the fire chief and is something the Town aims 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. Additionally, it takes several days of monitoring and careful valve adjustments to fine-tune the flow—ensuring enough water for fish downstream and meeting the 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.