STAGE 4 WATERING RESTRICTIONS
in Effect as of September 22, 2026
The North Salt Spring Waterworks District is returning to the highest level of watering restrictions as persistent drought conditions are forecasted to continue into October. In 2026, May-Sept rainfall has only been half of the 5-year average. In addition, regulators have required the district to dredge for fish passage to St. Mary Lake, which is anticipated to further reduce lake levels.
The NSSWD Board and staff have made great efforts to responsibly manage Salt Spring Island’s largest yet limited water supply by using a science-based approach to conserve water and ensure future water supply reliability. Current actions that are in place or underway include:
- An application is being finalized for submission to the Province to raise the St. Mary Lake weir and provide consistent environmental flow needs, funded by a $10 million provincial grant.
- The water moratorium on new water connections continues to be fully enforced on the St. Mary Lake system, the most vulnerable of the water district’s two water sources.
Full details on the new watering restrictions can be found at www.northsaltspringwaterworks.ca; please contact the NSSWD office at 250-537-9902 or via email to info@nsswaterworks.ca
THE NORTH SALT SPRING WATERWORKS DISTRICT
We are located on Salt Spring Island – the largest of the Southern Gulf Islands, just off the Saanich Peninsula on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
The district started in 1913 as the Ganges Power and Water utility and was incorporated as an improvement district in 1948. The District provides potable water to a large portion of Salt Spring Island, including over 5,500 year round residents….
LATEST NEWS
Lake Levels September 22, 2026
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Boil Water Advisory Lifted – Devine Drive – Tue Sept 22, 2026 at 2:45pm
Update- Boil Water Advisory Lifted - Devine Drive - Tuesday Sept 22, 2026 at 2:45pm. The District has received 2 consecutive samples confirming the water is safe to drink. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience. NSSWD Our crew had to make an emergency repair on Devine Drive on Wednesday September [...]
Water Conservation Stage 4 – Effective September 22, 2026
NSSWD WATERING RESTRICTIONS HAVE CHANGED
Boil Water Advisory – Devine Drive Area – Wed. Sept 16, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Our crew had to make an emergency repair on Devine Drive on Wednesday September 16, 2026. A precautionary boil water advisory is in place until the District receives 2 consecutive samples confirming the water is safe to consume, for the following address. Addresses Affected: 140-184 Devine Drive You may experience dirty water, please run your [...]
Newsletter September 2026
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July – August Water Toll Bills Sent Out – Payment Due by October 20, 2026
Meter reading for July/August 2026 has been completed. Water consumption toll bills were sent out September 15th. Please contact us for a copy of your bill if you have not received it by the end of September 2026. Payment for the July/August billing period is due October 20, 2026. Email Contact for Account Inquiries: info@nsswaterworks.ca [...]