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The water-conservation stage in force in Tofino now, what you can and can't do at it, and the full Stage 1-3 ladder — with the District's own page as the live source.
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Tofino's water supply is the limit the whole town lives within. Each summer the District sets a conservation stage that says what everyone can and can't do with water. Here's the stage in force now and what it means — and the full ladder, so you can see what tightens if it steps up.
In force now
Stage 1 — Voluntary
Voluntary reduction. Outdoor watering is allowed, but only with efficient methods.
In force since May 12, 2026 · Confirmed July 10, 2026
The District sets the stage
Watering lawns, gardens and landscaping — Limited
Allowed only by a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off, a hand-held canister, a sprinkler, or drip irrigation.
Indoor use — Allowed
No limit — but the District asks for short (4-minute) showers, full loads of laundry and dishes, and a quick check for leaks.
Visitor businesses (hotels, restaurants) — Limited
Must display water-conservation information for guests.
Voluntary reduction. Outdoor watering is allowed, but only with efficient methods.
Watering lawns, gardens and landscaping — Limited
Allowed only by a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off, a hand-held canister, a sprinkler, or drip irrigation.
Indoor use — Allowed
No limit — but the District asks for short (4-minute) showers, full loads of laundry and dishes, and a quick check for leaks.
Visitor businesses (hotels, restaurants) — Limited
Must display water-conservation information for guests.
Mandatory. Outdoor watering of lawns and gardens is prohibited; only food plants may be watered, on scheduled days. Hot tubs and power washing are off.
Tofino's drinking water comes from creeks on Meares Island, in Tla-o-qui-aht territory. In summer the town's demand can outrun what the creeks supply, so the District steps up the conservation stage based on reservoir and supply conditions.
Restrictions usually run from mid-May to mid-September. In 2026, Stage 1 began on 12 May and remained in force through early July.
District of Tofino
Governed by the Water Use and Conservation Bylaw No. 1224, 2016.
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Watering lawns, gardens, trees and landscaping — Not allowed
Only food plants may be watered, by hand-held canister: odd-numbered addresses Mon/Wed/Fri, even-numbered Tue/Thu/Sun, 6–9 am and 7–10 pm.
Filling or refilling hot tubs — Not allowed
Power washing — Not allowed
Washing wetsuits, foot washes, rinsing boat motors — Allowed
By hand. Outdoor showers are allowed only with a timed automatic shut-off.
The tightest stage. Outdoor use is effectively off, and indoor use is for drinking and sanitation only.
Watering anything outdoors — Not allowed
Only food plants, by hand-held canister, on a tighter schedule: odd-numbered addresses Mon/Thu, even-numbered Tue/Fri, 6–9 am and 7–10 pm.
Indoor water use — Limited
Restricted to drinking and sanitation.
Washing wetsuits, foot washes, rinsing boat motors — Allowed
By hand. Outdoor showers are allowed only with a timed automatic shut-off.
Stage 1 — Voluntary
Voluntary reduction. Outdoor watering is allowed, but only with efficient methods.
as of Jul 10, 2026