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By Liam Verster
Water Supply Monitoring

Reservoirs being monitored as snowpacks, precipitation levels remain low

May 6, 2026 | 3:59 PM

The Regional District of North Okanagan said it’s keeping a close eye on local reservoirs amid concerns about dry conditions heading into summer.

In a report released May 6, the RDNO said spring runoff and seasonal rainfall have helped boost water storage levels, but below-average snowpack and ongoing dry weather remain a concern.

As of April 1, snowpack levels in the Okanagan were sitting at just 58 per cent of normal, while the South Thompson Basin was at 85 per cent.

The RDNO said water flowing into Duteau Reservoir from the South Thompson Basin has already begun slowing as snowmelt tapers off. Meanwhile, water levels at Kalamalka Lake remain below average and below provincial targets, with little recovery so far this spring.

The report also noted precipitation in Vernon has been significantly below normal since October, with March being the only month to record above-average rainfall. Forecasts are also calling for warmer temperatures and below-normal precipitation through May and June.

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Because of those conditions, Stage 1 water restrictions are already in effect across the region.

Under the restrictions, properties with odd-numbered addresses can water lawns and gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Manual watering is allowed between 6 and 10 a.m. and again between 7 p.m. and midnight, while automatic sprinklers can only be used overnight between midnight and 6 a.m.

The RDNO says reservoir conditions will continue to be monitored monthly.

Updated provincial snowpack numbers from the B.C. River Forecast Centre are expected between May 8 and 12.

by Liam Verster
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