UPDATED: January 4th, 2023

Happy New Year! We have positive news with an update on water conservation efforts in our community. Even with increased visitors here at Mt. Washington during the busy holiday season, we are pleased to share that along with the precipitation received, our combined efforts to conserve water have made a difference. The springs are currently overflowing, and the snowmaking reservoir is filling, which are indicators of a positive outcome over the coming months. It is important for everyone to please still be mindful of water use throughout the community of Mt. Washington. All considerations big and small have an impact, and on behalf of Mount Washington Alpine Resort, we would like to thank everyone for doing your part and for your continued attention to the matter. Drinking water will now be available for your reusable bottles, and over the coming weeks, resort services will return to mostly normal operations. As the situation progresses, we will continue providing updates here on our website. We look forward to continuing the 2022/23 season together on a high note. See you to clink glasses over a pint in Ted's real soon!

Daily status updates are no longer being shared. Below is as of January 4th, 2023.

Notice to the community and all visitors of Mt. Washington: Thursday, December 8, 2022

Heading into opening weekend, water conservation efforts are being asked of all staff, guests and residents of the Mt. Washington community. Please do your part to conserve water and bring your own drinking water supply, use provided outdoor washroom facilities when possible, and if living in the village, reduce your water use in your daily routine however possible. Thank you for your cooperation and help during these circumstances.

Notice to the community of Mt. Washington: Friday, December 2, 2022

The springs which produce Mount Washington‘s potable water supply have slowed to record low production. Expecting an increase in visitors to the mountain as our winter season and the holidays approach, there are concerns about potential water shortages, and as such proactive measures are required by all members of the community and those visiting to conserve our current water supply. With Vancouver Island experiencing the worst drought levels in over 15 years, the Puntledge River flow and the Comox Lake Reservoir level have also never been as low as they are now; the Campbell River reservoir storage is the lowest on record since 1984, BC Hydro said in a release this past Monday. Snowpack in the upper watershed is less than 25 percent of what is considered normal for this time of year. With Mt. Washington's elevation at the top of the watershed, we are among the first to be affected by water shortages.

What is Mount Washington Alpine Resort doing?

• Reducing water use throughout business operations wherever possible
  • Shutting off water refill stations
  • Use of disposable plates & cutlery to reduce the use of dishwashers
  • Educate staff on water-saving measures including bringing water from home
• Providing bottled water for sale at F&B outlets and retail locations around the resort
• Providing notices to all overnight and arriving guests to bring a supply of bottled water with them, and to reduce water usage while visiting by means noted below
• Adding porta potties outside to reduce indoor use
• Avoiding operation of snowmaking equipment, however, the potable water source is not connected to the snowmaking reservoir 

What we are preparing for:

• Housing a backup water supply wherever we can for emergency needs
• The potential for a boil water advisory and how that may affect resort operations, guests visiting and community residents
• Testing of potential alternative potable water sources to be redirected

What can you do to help?

• Take shorter showers, avoid baths, and don't run taps while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
• Only run your dishwasher when you have a full load. Dishwashers use large volumes of water, about 60 litres of water per load. If washing dishes by hand, do not wash or rinse with running water. Use tubs or plug the sink.
• Bring a water supply with you and refrain from drinking tap water.
• Only run washing machines with full loads or on eco mode. Washing machines use anywhere between 100-200 litres of water per load. Better yet, if you are able to do your laundry elsewhere off-mountain.
• Reduce the number of times you flush your toilet with multiple uses before flushing. Unnecessary flushing of the toilet even once a day can waste up to 1,000 litres of water per year (please repair/shut off any toilets that have constant running water)
• Inform any visitors you may have arriving to do the same and conserve water usage however possible throughout their stay.
• Recycle unused water. While waiting for hot water to flow when preparing for a shower, catch the cool water in a bucket. This water can be used later for plants, pets or cleaning. Refrain from filling or topping up hot tubs or pools. If these are required for your rentals please have them filled from providers from town (eg. H2O to go or Lyster Ventures).
• Report anything that could be identified as a potential water leak in the village