Arrowsmith Dam

The Arrowsmith dam is located about 35 kilometres south of Parksville. Commissioned in 2000, the dam was built as the Arrowsmith Water Service joint venture between the City of Parksville, the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Town of Qualicum Beach. The Arrowsmith dam, with a live storage volume of 9 million cubic metres, is used to supplement the Englishman River flow by releasing during the summer and fall to meet the domestic water demands and enhance fish habitat.

This is outlined in the Conditional Water Licence which governs the release of water from the reservoir. Depending on climactic conditions and seasonal requirements, conditions of the licence are adjusted in consultation with federal and provincial fishery authorities. At certain periods, the flow requirements may be reduced to ensure sufficient water is retained in the reservoir for release during September and October. Water is withdrawn from the Englishman River through the intake facility operated by the City of Parksville.

Arrowsmith Dam Lake Levels
* Until we receive substantial rainfall, the dam flow release will be at 0.6m3/s until October 13 and then 0.5m3/s beginning October 13. The Hydrometric Gauge will be between 0.8m3/s – 0.7m3/s as ordered by the ministry.

Conditional Water Licence

Dam Outflow Volumes

Location of Arrowsmith Dam

Provisional Operating Rule
* Staff is working with the province to update the Provisional Operating Rule in 2023.

Reservoir Level vs Storage