Greater Vernon Water Moves to Stage 3 Water Restrictions

Effective immediately, the Regional District of North Okanagan has implemented Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions within the Greater Vernon Water (GVW) service in response to declining water supply and increasing water demand.

The decision is based on careful assessment of water reservoir levels in the Aberdeen Plateau Dams (Duteau Creek supply ) and conditions in Kalamalka Lake, weather forecasts, and historic high water demand during the summer as outlined in the Greater Vernon Greater Vernon Water Shortage Management Plan. The serious drought conditions the Greater Vernon community is facing are due to multiple factors: this year's snowpack was significantly below average, snowmelt occurred earlier than usual, and precipitation has been below normal, resulting in reservoirs receiving far less water than expected. At the same time, forecasts indicate warm, dry conditions will continue. These warmer temperatures have led to higher-than-usual water use earlier in the season, further stressing supply. As a result, GVW must act now to preserve enough water for essential needs throughout the summer and into the fall.

Stage 3 restrictions apply to all customers within the Greater Vernon Water service area, including the City of Vernon, the District of Coldstream, and portions of Spallumcheen, as well as Electoral Areas B, C, and D that are connected to Greater Vernon Water. Under these restrictions, all users are required to significantly reduce consumption, with a community-wide target of cutting water use by 50 percent.

After careful consideration, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has directed staff to change the Stage 3 Restrictions to eliminate lawn watering and the filling of private pools. At this stage, outdoor water use must be kept to an absolute minimum. Residents are asked to limit watering to what is strictly necessary to maintain trees, food gardens, or other essential plantings. Reducing everyday indoor water use, such as promptly fixing leaks, running appliances at full load, and planting drought-tolerant plants that don't need watering, will also help decrease overall demand and protect the system.

Due to the extremely low levels in the Duteau supply reservoirs, which supply the agricultural community, agricultural properties will be required to reduce their water use by 70%. Without drastic reductions, agricultural customers could potentially be shut off later this summer if the water supply runs out. Greater Vernon Water will be working directly with the agricultural community on how to use the current water supply as efficiently as possible.

"The drought conditions we're experiencing this year are serious and require all of us to take immediate action", stated Shirley Fowler, Chair of the RDNO Board of Directors. "Every resident and business plays a critical role in protecting our water supply. By conserving wherever possible, both indoors and outdoors, we can help ensure there is enough water for essential needs throughout the summer and into the fall. We appreciate the community's cooperation and shared commitment to using water wisely."

Compliance with Stage 3 restrictions is mandatory, and GVW will be actively enforcing the regulations. Customers who do not comply will first receive a warning, followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses and, if necessary, the turn-off of water services. These measures are in place to ensure fair and consistent conservation across the community.

GVW has already been taking steps within the system to conserve water, including adjusting operations to maximize available sources, suspending all but necessary distribution flushing for health and safety reasons, and closely monitoring supply levels on an ongoing basis. Increased public outreach, signage, and water-use monitoring are also underway to support compliance and raise awareness.

Conserving the remaining water supply is a shared responsibility, and the actions taken now will play a critical role in maintaining the water supply for the entire community. Residents and businesses are encouraged to learn more about current restrictions and practical conservation tips by visiting https://www.rdno.ca/WaterRestrictions.

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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
[email protected]