Feb 15, 2026

Arrowsmith Water Service

The Arrowsmith Water Service joint venture members are the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo who hold the water licences and are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Arrowsmith Dam, spillway and outlet works. The City of Parksville has the overall responsibility for the day-to-day system operation and maintenance.

Meetings are livestreamed and archived here.

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. The dam, with a 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 Water is withdrawn from the Englishman River through the intake facility operated by the City of Parksville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 Reservoir Weekly Report
*Updates will be provided from June 1 to October 31

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