Checked
Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
The Nanaimo source checked October 14, 2026 lists Stage 3 voluntary reductions. It asks for lawn watering only once weekly, with odd addresses Monday and even addresses Thursday.
Key information
The Nanaimo source checked October 14, 2026 lists Stage 3 voluntary reductions. It asks for lawn watering only once weekly, with odd addresses Monday and even addresses Thursday.
On this page
Current posted request
The City’s October 1 update says Stage 3 is in effect and asks residents to reduce outdoor use voluntarily. Odd addresses are asked to water lawns Monday, even addresses Thursday, between 7 and 10 a.m. or 7 and 10 p.m., with a maximum two hours.
This is the City’s posted status at the check date, not a permanent schedule. Recheck the current stage through the City and RDN Team WaterSmart before watering. Local restriction stages are different from provincial drought levels.
Sources: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Exemptions and establishment watering
New lawns may qualify for a 14-day permit for watering beyond restricted days, but permits may not be issued at Stage 3 or 4. Contact Public Works at 250-758-5222 before assuming new sod is exempt.
New trees and shrubs can be watered any time for the first 24 hours after planting, then must follow current restrictions. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees may be watered any time, while conservation remains encouraged.
Sources: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Business use and higher stages
Businesses depending on water for ordinary operations, such as car washes, nurseries and cleaning services, are exempt from all stages. Public services, utilities, schools and municipal fields can vary use to maintain public systems.
Stage 4 restricts most non-essential outdoor use, including automated sprinklers, vehicle washing and surface cleaning. Do not carry Stage 3’s voluntary wording into a later Stage 4 notice. Water Resources is 250-756-5391 or water.resources@nanaimo.ca.
Sources: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Posted check-date stage | Stage 3, voluntary further reduction |
| Odd-numbered lawn day | Monday |
| Even-numbered lawn day | Thursday |
| Requested windows | 7 to 10 a.m. or 7 to 10 p.m.; maximum two hours |
| New tree initial period | First 24 hours |
| Possible new-lawn permit | 14 days; may be unavailable in Stage 3 or 4 |
Sources: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Steps to follow
- Check stage
Read the current local notice, not a provincial drought number alone.
- Match address
Use the requested odd/even day and window.
- Ask about exceptions
Confirm a new-lawn permit before relying on it.
Sources: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Questions and answers
What stage does the checked City page show?
Stage 3 as checked October 14, 2026.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Does the posted Stage 3 request say the extra reductions are mandatory?
No. It describes voluntary reductions at that stage.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
What lawn day is requested for odd addresses?
Monday.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
What lawn day is requested for even addresses?
Thursday.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
What hours are requested?
7 to 10 a.m. or 7 to 10 p.m., for a maximum two hours.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Can new lawns automatically ignore restrictions?
No. Ask for a 14-day permit; it may not be issued in Stage 3 or 4.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
How long can a new tree be watered outside the normal rules?
The first 24 hours after planting.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Can vegetable gardens and fruit trees be watered any time?
The City lists them as allowed any time while encouraging conservation.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
Are local stages identical to provincial drought levels?
No. Local stages reflect Nanaimo reservoir conditions and use.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information
What changes at Stage 4?
Most non-essential outdoor water use is restricted, including automated sprinklers and washing.
Source: Official Nanaimo watering stages, lawn days and exemptions information