Update - July 24, 2026
Due to unusually dry conditions and low water levels the RDNO is issuing Stage 2 outdoor water conservation measures for the Mabel Lake Water (MLW) community.
Stage 2 Water Conservation is 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 – Wednesdays and Sundays
- And, as always, watering between 10 am and 7 pm is not allowed. 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 permitted on your designated watering days
- Minimize car washing to conserve water during the drought. When washing your car, use a sponge and bucket instead of running water.
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 Conservation, customers are allowed to water by hand at any time with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle.
For indoor and outdoor water conservation tips, visit www.rdno.ca/conservation.
For more information, visit www.rdno.ca/mlw/restrictions.
Where can I find future water updates?
Updates will be posted to www.rdno.ca/news (filter by Water Notices) and the RDNO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RDNOkanagan. You can also subscribe to receive email updates at www.rdno.ca/subscribe.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.
Original Notice - May 12, 2026
Normal summer outdoor water conservation measures are now in effect for Mabel Lake Water (MLW) customers. Water conservation measures allow MLW customers to water outdoors with sprinklers according to the following schedule based on their street address.
Residents may water at any time by hand with a watering can or hose with a spring-loaded shut-off nozzle. Drip irrigation is also allowed at any time, as evaporation is minimal when the water is applied directly at the plant roots. For more information, please visit www.rdno.ca/mlw/restrictions.
Where can I find future water 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.
If you have any questions, please contact the RDNO Utilities Department at 250-550-3700.