The Regional District of North Okanagan is advising customers that Stage 2 water use restrictions are now in effect for all Greater Vernon Water (GVW), including properties in the City of Vernon, the District of Coldstream, and portions of the Township of Spallumcheen, Electoral Areas “B”, “C”, and “D” served by GVW.
These measures are necessary due to low snowpack levels, which have reduced the available stored water, combined with warmer-than-normal spring temperatures and low rainfall for the area. Under the GVW Water Shortage Management Plan, stronger restrictions are now required to protect the water supply throughout summer and fall.
What are Stage 2 Restrictions?
All customers are expected to reduce water use by 20%. Most lawns only require watering once per week to remain healthy. During hot weather, lawns may naturally brown and go dormant; this is normal, and grass will recover when conditions improve. If additional watering is necessary, a water restrictions exemption permit from the RDNO is required. All other restriction details can be found online here.
Stage 2 Outdoor Watering Schedule
Customers’ watering day(s) are as follows:
- Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday and/or Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday and/or Sunday
- No yard or garden watering between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on any day
Hand watering with a watering can, or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle, is permitted up to three (3) days per week, outside the 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. window.
Who is Impacted?
These restrictions apply to all GVW customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. Agricultural customers are required to reduce daily use by 20%, and the property's annual allocation will be reduced by 20% as well. Checking for leaks, avoiding irrigation during peak heat, and shortening run times where possible are potential ways to reduce. Agriculturalists will receive a letter providing more information.
These restrictions are critical to ensure reliable water supplies for our community throughout the dry summer, to protect fish habitat, and maintain adequate resources for wildfire response. The success of these restrictions relies on community cooperation and compliance. Working together now while temperatures are high will help us safeguard water for essential needs in the future. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to receive announcements, media releases, and updates at rdno.ca/subscribe.
The following graphs show the low storage levels of our sources. For a more detailed overview of how Stage Restrictions are determined, see the most up-to-date GVW Water Storage Memo at www.rdno.ca/gvw.
For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca