Qualicum Beach watering restrictions

Are there lawn sprinkling or watering restrictions?

Qualicum Beach, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Under the Town's Waterworks Rate and Regulation Bylaw No. 753, sprinklers may not be used to water lawns, gardens or similar landscape features between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily from May 15 to September 15 each year. So sprinkler watering is allowed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The rule is not limited by odd/even day or address.

Council may also, by resolution, impose further limits or a ban during a water shortage. Notice is given in a local newspaper, on the Town's website or on social media. Check the Town's water services page for the current status.

What is exempt

• Hand watering, vehicle washing and other residential uses are not restricted in the May 15 to September 15 period.
• The Town's FAQ says hand-watering, micro irrigation and drip irrigation are permitted any time. The restricted times apply only to pop-up, rotor and other sprinklers.
• Exempt unless Council says otherwise: public parks and playing fields where compliance is impractical, nurseries, and hosing for safety or sanitary reasons.
• Food gardens are not mentioned separately; the restriction applies to sprinklers on a lawn, garden or similar landscape feature.

New lawns

1. Apply for a Special Sprinkler Permit at Town Hall, with payment, to water new landscaping such as fresh sod at otherwise restricted times.
2. The fee is $30 per permit for a single-family dwelling ($30 per unit, to $150, for multi-family).
3. The permit is valid up to three weeks, and the Director of Engineering may set conditions.

Good to know

• Bylaw 626 lists a $75 ticket for watering contrary to restrictions, but it still names the repealed Waterworks Bylaw No. 713, so the amount may be out of date. Confirm with the Town. A court can fine up to $10,000.
• The Town, not the Regional District of Nanaimo, supplies water and sets these restrictions here.