Greater Vernon Water (GVW) monitors the water levels in its reservoirs year-round but early spring is of particular interest to the water utility as this time determines the water supply over summer, our high water use time. Right now, based on water levels in the Duteau Creek storage reservoirs (Aberdeen, Grizzly and Haddo), the current weather and customer water use, GVW’s water supplies are considered Normal.
Aberdeen, Grizzly and Haddo reservoirs are now spilling. King Edward reservoir, a reservoir that provides storage for the non-potable supply, started to spill in mid-May and continues to spill. Based on the level of snow present in the upper watershed, the predicted rains and cooler weather, it is expected that the water supply will remain Normal for the next few weeks. If typical June rains occur, customer demands remain lower and the reservoir spills are maintained into mid to late June, it is likely Normal conditions will be maintained; however, as the weather is unpredictable, staff will continue to closely monitor conditions and provide communication on our water supply at the beginning of July or sooner if required.
Greater Vernon Water (GVW) uses the Water Shortage Management Plan (WSMP) to guide decisions about GVW water management. Staff monitor four (4) triggers to assess the water supply and drought conditions:
- Reservoir Levels (water storage) – Aberdeen, Grizzly, Haddo and King Edward reservoirs are currently spilling (see Figure 1). Kalamalka Lake water level is close to the Provincial Management Goals set by the province and above the 1964 to 2021 average (Figure 2).
- Current Moisture Conditions – due to the cool weather conditions, there is still some snow in the upper watershed. April precipitation was below average but May has been normal with acceptable precipitation.
- Forecast Weather Conditions – expected to be cool with some precipitation expected in the next week.
- Customer Demand Forecast - is low to moderate for this time of year due to the weather forecast.
Figure 1: The Duteau reservoir levels in Megalitres (ML) to June 7, 2022
Figure 2: Kalamalka Lake elevation for 2022 compared to the 1967-2021 average
For the GVW Water Shortage Management Plan and further information on the triggers and the water system can be found at www.rdno.ca/restrictions.
Where can I find updates?
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNorthOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
Agricultural customers are encouraged to sign up for notices specific to them at https://www.rdno.ca/agwater (bottom right of page). Notices can be received by email, text or voice call.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.