Stock photo of the Duteau watershed courtesy of the RDNO

By Liam Verster

Stage 1 Restrictions

Greater Vernon preparing for drought, water restrictions to be increased ‘as necessary’

May 17, 2024 | 12:17 PM

Residents within the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) are encouraged to conserve water as the region prepares for another hot and dry summer.

Greater Vernon Water’s latest water supply update stated reservoir levels “are significantly below average for this time of year,” pointing to a slower melt in April, coupled with cool temperatures and below average rainfall.

“RDNO is very concerned about the potential for drought this year and are actively planning, monitoring and are prepared to increase restrictions as necessary,” Zee Marcolin, General Manager, Utilities, told Vernon Matters.

As of May 7, the Duteau Creek Reservoir volume was estimated at 9,000 megalitres. The 10 year average for the reservoir this time of year is closer to 13,500 megalitres.

The elevation of Kalamalka Lake was recorded at roughly 391.25 metres, which was below the five-year average of 391.4 m and the target of 391.6 m.

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Greater Vernon Water (GVW) is still in the freshet monitoring period through the month of May, and based on the Water Storage Triggers Assessment, the utility has implemented Stage 1 Water Restrictions for using sprinklers to water lawns and gardens within the RDNO.

Under Stage 1, people residing on properties with an odd address number can water their lawns on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., while residents of even address number properties can water during that period of time on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Yard and garden watering is not permitted on Monday’s under the Stage 1 restrictions, and is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. any day. This includes drip irrigation.

Though watering is permitted, the RDNO does encourage people to conserve water, noting lawns only need to be watered once a week to stay healthy.

Along with putting the water restrictions in place, Marcolin said GVW said staff are also engaged in efforts to help conserve water ahead of the summer months including:

• Having a meeting with the Drought Working Group to review the restrictions and gather input;
• Hiring a number of students who can be diverted from their current projects to assist in enforcing restrictions if required;
• Working with farmers to ensure water from the Duteau Creek supply is being used efficiently; and
• Completing operational changes to preserve water such as programming reservoirs to fill at night and reducing the routine flushing program to only occur for water quality purposes.

With the weather warming, GVW asks people to conserve water to help maintain levels in the reservoir and delay the need to implement any further restrictions.