Updated - October 5, 2023
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) advises customers supplied by the Whitevale Water Utility (WVW) that Outdoor Water Restrictions are RESCINDED. Supply and demand conditions on the water system have returned to normal. Although Outdoor Water Restrictions are being rescinded, the RDNO wants to remind customers that we live in a dry climate and water conservation should be practiced routinely to protect our streams as every drop counts.
Doing some yard clean up this weekend? Don’t forget your taps! Winterize taps to prevent leaks. Removing hoses and protecting exposed pipes from freezing temperatures will help to avoid cracks and leaks in the spring.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.
Updated - August 4, 2023
The Government of BC has issued a Level 5 Drought for the Bessette Creek watershed under the Water Sustainability Act. Bessette Creek continues to be severly impacted by the hot, dry conditions and many locations in this watershed are seeing historic low flows. The Government of BC is requesting that water users in the Bessette Creek system reduce water consumption. The Whitevale Water Utility well is connected to Bessette Creek and outdoor watering impacts the creek levels. As a result of the provincial declaration, the RDNO is issuing Stage 4 outdoor watering restrictions for the Whitevale Water community. A map of affected properties is below.
Stage 4 Water Restrictions are as follows:
- Customers are not allowed to water their lawns.
- Customers are not allowed to water outdoors with a sprinkler.
- Customers may water gardens and outdoor plants (not lawns) up to three (3) days per week by hand, using a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle.
- Please refer to the schedule below to find your designated hand watering days:
Odd House Numbers: Watering Days – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Even House Numbers: Watering Days – Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
- Drip irrigation is allowed as evaporation is minimal when water is applied directly to plant roots.
- And, as always, watering between 10 am and 7 pm is not allowed at any time. Irrigating in the heat of the day is ineffective due to water evaporation and is an easily avoidable form of wasting water.
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, garden ponds or decorative fountains is prohibited.
- Washing of cars or boats is not allowed except for safety (windows, lights and licence plates only).
For more information, visit www.rdno.ca/restrictions. For indoor and outdoor water conservation tips, visit www.rdno.ca/waterwise.
Subscribe to our Email Alert System
Subscribe to receive announcements, media releases, and updates by email at: www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
For further information, please call 250-550-3700 or visit www.rdno.ca.
Original Notice - July 25, 2023
The Government of BC has issued a Level 4 Drought for the Bessette Creek watershed under the Water Sustainability Act. The Whitevale Water Utility well is connected to Bessette Creek and outdoor watering impacts the creek levels. As a result of the provincial declaration, the RDNO is issuing Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions for the Whitevale Water community. A map of affected properties is below.
Stage 2 Water Restrictions are as follows:
- Customers are only allowed to water their lawns twice a week
- Please refer to the schedule below to find your designated watering days:
Odd House Numbers: Watering Days – Tuesdays and Saturdays
Even House Numbers: Watering Days - Sundays and Wednesdays - And, as always, watering between 10 am and 7 pm is not allowed at any time. Irrigating in the heat of the day is ineffective due to water evaporation and is an easily avoidable form of wasting water
- Filling swimming pools, hot tubs, garden ponds or decorative fountains is prohibited
- Minimize car washing to conserve water during the drought. When washing your car, use a sponge and bucket instead of running water.
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Did you know that overwatering your lawn not only affects your community’s water supply, it can also harm the health of your grass. Most lawns need just 2.5cm (one inch) of water per week—about the depth of a tuna can. An easy way to see whether you are watering an appropriate amount is to place an empty tuna can with the lid off in an area where you are irrigating. When the can is full, usually after 15 to 20 minutes, you know that your grass has gotten an adequate amount of water. Watering for more than one hour per location is strictly forbidden. |
Under Stage 2 Water Restrictions, customers are allowed to water by hand at any time with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed any time as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots.
For indoor and outdoor water conservation tips, visit www.rdno.ca/waterwise.
For more information, visit www.rdno.ca/restrictions.
Subscribe to our Email Alert System
Subscribe to receive announcements, media releases, and updates by email at: www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
For further information, please call 250-550-3700 or visit www.rdno.ca.
Click here for a larger version of the map.
