Community Water Conservation Notice

‘Ya̱lis | Spring 2026

The Village of Alert Bay and ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation are asking all residents and businesses connected to the Village and ‘Na̱mg̱is water systems to help reduce non-essential water use as drought conditions continue to affect communities across Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

As an island community supplied by a groundwater aquifer, Alert Bay has a finite water source that depends heavily on rainfall and natural recharge of the aquifer system. During extended periods of warm and dry weather, water levels can decline more quickly, making conservation efforts important to protecting long-term water availability for households, emergency response, and fire protection.

Alert Bay is currently experiencing Drought Level 2–3 conditions on B.C.’s drought scale. While current measures remain voluntary, residents are encouraged to begin conserving water early to help reduce stress on local water systems throughout the summer season.

Effective immediately, residents are asked to adopt voluntary outdoor water conservation practices in support of long-term water sustainability and to align with neighbouring local governments and regional districts.

Recommended Outdoor Watering Schedule

Residents Are Encouraged To:

• Limit unnecessary outdoor water use
• Avoid pressure washing driveways, decks, siding, boats, and other outdoor surfaces unless necessary
• Avoid filling or topping up pools and splash pads
• Turn off taps and hoses when not in use
• Water gardens and food-producing plants efficiently
• Use hand watering or drip irrigation where possible
• Repair leaking taps, toilets, and hoses
• Run dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads
• Be mindful of overall household water use

Conserving water now helps protect our shared water supply throughout the summer months and may help reduce the need for stronger restrictions later in the season.

We appreciate the community’s cooperation and commitment to protecting this important resource for everyone.

For more information about drought conditions in British Columbia, please visit the Province of B.C. Drought Information Portal:
https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/

G̱ilakas’la,

‘Na̱mg̱is First Nations and Village of Alert Bay