Water - It's Too Good to Waste!

Check out our Waterwise Gardening Guide full of yard maintenance and irrigation tips for North Okanagan residents. Looking for plant suggestions? Okanagan Xeriscape Association Plant Database has got hundreds of plants that love our naturally dry climate.  Too many choices? Then the Waterwise Plant Collection is for you - a short list of plants most nursery's stock.

You can have a beautiful yard and save water!

RDNO-GRO is FREE composted yard waste available at the Greater Vernon Diversion & Disposal Facility. It’s perfect for mulching, which helps your soil hold on to water, and makes a great weed suppressant. Putting down 5-10 centimeters of mulch is a great start, and you can put down a layer of cardboard first to help deter weeds.  Mulches like RDNO-Gro are easier to maintain than rock, which is commonly associated with low-water yards. Rock holds more heat, drying out plants and reflecting heat onto buildings, and is harder to weed. Try compost or bark mulch and you'll never go back to rock. Save that gorgeous granite for pathways and edging. 

A good contractor can help you get the most out of your automatic irrigation system and set up efficient systems like drip or microjet irrigation. The RDNO has created a helpful checklist for selecting a professional contractor that will help you achieve your waterwise gardening goals.

Dryland rain gardens and garden beds irrigated by runoff from your roof, driveway, or patio are innovative ways to make the most of natural rainfall - without relying on treated water.

These systems capture and filter rainwater, directing it into planted areas where it can nourish drought-tolerant plants and improve soil health. Not only do they reduce water waste, but they also help prevent runoff pollution and support local biodiversity.

Building one is easier than you think, and RDNO offers resources to help you get started. 

Tips on building garden beds

Restrictions are based on expert advice on keeping plants healthy in our arid climate. Most plants do not need daily water - following the Normal restrictions schedule of watering up to 3 times a week is actually recommended for strong roots. Watering at night means less water is lost to evaporation and more water goes to your plants.

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Restrictions are in effect year-round, meaning that outdoor lawn and garden watering is only allowed between 7pm and 10am, unless hand watering with a watering can or hose with an automatic spring-loaded shut-off nozzle.  Higher restriction stages may be implemented in times of drought or supply loss due to contamination of our water supply. For the current restrictions, click here. 

Knowing how to read your water meter is a simple yet powerful way to take control of your water use. It helps you track daily consumption, detect leaks early, and understand how your habits impact your water bill and the environment.

In the North Okanagan, where water is a limited resource, being water-wise starts at home. By regularly checking your meter, you can spot unusual spikes, adjust your usage, and contribute to a more sustainable community.

It’s all part of the Too Good to Waste mindset - because conserving water means protecting the place we’re proud to call home.

Learn how to read your water meter. 

Upgrading to a water-efficient toilet is one of the easiest ways to reduce household water use. Traditional toilets can use up to 13 litres per flush, while high-efficiency models use as little as 4.8 litres - saving thousands of litres per year.

In the North Okanagan, where water is a limited resource, these savings matter. Less water flushed means less strain on local water systems and more water preserved for our lakes, agriculture, and ecosystems.

It’s a simple switch that supports the Too Good to Waste campaign - because conserving water starts with everyday choices that protect the place we’re proud to call home.

• Look for the Watersense label when buying any fixture

What to Look for When Buying a Water-Efficient Toilet