DCC Policy and Planning Committee decisions

DCC prepares for potential water restrictions

As an El Niño weather event predicted for the summer of 2026/2027 looms, the DCC is taking steps to prepare for the likelihood of water supply shortages

Councillors at today’s DCC Policy and Planning Committee meeting voted to approve a new Policy on Temporary Water Restrictions 2026 – an update of the DCC’s existing 2010 policy – in preparation for the summer ahead.

The 2010 policy set out the steps the DCC may take to manage demand by using temporary water restrictions, including setting out the levels of temporary water restrictions that may be applied. The restrictions were designed to target non-essential outdoor water use on an increasing scale depending on the severity of the situation.

The updates approved at today’s meeting cover the temporary water restriction levels and updated text, to reflect the recently adopted Water Supply Bylaw 2026, and aim to make the temporary water restrictions requirements clearer and more effective.

The update includes:

• Showing both the voluntary/summertime restrictions and the highest level of restrictions (Level 4)
• Changing timeframes of some permitted outdoor water activities at Level 1 and Level 2 to between 8pm – 6am, rather than 8pm – 8am
• Adding alternate day restrictions at Level 2
• Allowing vegetable garden watering via handheld hose or watering can except during Level 4.

Councillors voted to approve the updated policy.

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