Questions & Answers

What is the capacity of the Sooke Reservoir since completion of expansion?

The capacity of the Sooke Reservoir is 92.7 million cubic meters or 20.4 billion gallons.

With the recent expansion of the Sooke Reservoir, why are Water Conservation Bylaws necessary?

There are two main reasons: Firstly, to ensure that long-term safe and reliable water supplies are available for the future needs of Greater Victoria, water conservation is an integral component of the CRD Integrated Water Services Strategic Plan for Water Supply. On average there is only a 60% chance that the reservoir will fill in any year, so the expanded reservoir level is now at its optimal height for the runoff from winter rains. Developing a new source, such as the Leech River would be very expensive, possibly over $100 million. Therefore, water conservation programs, including water conservation bylaws, prolong the need to construct such expensive infrastructure expansions.

Secondly, we do not have exclusive rights to the water in the Sooke Watershed. Under Federal and Provincial legislation, we cannot take water from the Sooke Watershed without consideration of ecological impacts downstream of the dam. To meet these requirements, an agreement was negotiated between the CRD, the Federal and Provincial Governments and the T’Sou-ke First Nation to share this limited resource.

During what months is the Stage 1 Water Conservation Bylaw in effect?

May 1 – Sept 30 unless otherwise stipulated by the Regional Water Supply Commission.

When is lawn watering permitted during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

An even numbered address may use a sprinkler to water your lawn on Wednesday and Saturday between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

An odd numbered address may use a sprinkler to water your lawn on Thursday and Sunday between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

When can I water my trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

You may water your trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables at any time on any day if watering is done by a Micro/Drip Irrigation system, a hand-held container or a hose equipped with a shut-off device. Otherwise, you may use a sprinkler (note that soaker hoses are considered to be a sprinkler) during the prescribed hours for Stage 1 lawn watering.

When can I water my newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

You may water your newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables by any method during installation and for the following 24 hours.

Can I install and water new sod or lawn during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

Yes, but only with a permit. Permits will only be issued where there has been a new lawn installed. Permits are not issued for reseeding or top-dressing. New sod can be watered on installation and during the first 21 days after installation, and water newly seeded lawns until growth is established or for 49 days after installation, whichever is less, but only during the prescribed Stage 1 lawn watering hours. Please call Demand Management at 250.474.9684 to apply for a permit.

What is a Micro/Drip Irrigation system?

“A Drip/Micro Irrigation system is defined as using low volume irrigation components (using under 20 gallons per hour) operating at low pressure (under 25PSI) to deliver a precise amount of water to the root zone of the plan material they are irrigating."

Can I wash my vehicle or boat during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

Yes. A person may wash their vehicle or boat anytime using a hand held container or hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle and at car dealerships or commercial car washes.

Can I use water to wash sidewalks, driveways or parking lots, exterior windows or exterior building surfaces during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

Yes. You may use water to wash sidewalks, driveways or parking lots, exterior windows or exterior building surfaces using no more than necessary to complete the task.

Can I use water to fill my wading pool, swimming pool, hot tub, or garden pond during the Water Conservation Bylaw for Stage 1?

Yes. You may use water to fill wading pools, swimming pools, hot tubs, or garden ponds.

What are the penalties faced when a person contravenes Bylaw No. 3061?

A person who contravenes this bylaw commits an offence, and is punishable in accordance with the Offence Act, and on conviction, in addition to the penalties prescribed under the Offence Act, is subject to the following minimum fines:

(a) for an offence of wasting water a person will face a minimum fine of $75 plus costs when the offence is committed between October and April inclusive or during Stage 1 water restrictions. Higher fines apply during stages 2 and 3.

(b) for an offence contrary to the provisions of this bylaw, such as lawn watering outside of the prescribed hours, a person will face a minimum fine of $75 plus costs for each offence under Stage 1.

My neighbor is not using water in accordance with the bylaw. How do I report this offence?

You may report an offence of the bylaw to CRD Demand Management at 250.474.9684.