Orchards say water restrictions pose survival concerns

Jun 9, 2026 | 6:04 AM

Fruit growers in the North Okanagan have raised concerns about the Stage 3 Water Restrictions, arguing they could threaten the survival of their crops.

With the reservoirs that feed Greater Vernon Water (GVW) experiencing historically low levels, the utility implemented Stage 3 Water Restriction urging all users to reduce their water use. Properties attached to the Duteau Creek source, including agricultural operators, were asked to reduce their water use by 70 per cent.

In response to the order, the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA) issued a call for an orchard survival plan.

In a media release late last week, the association said it recognized that Greater Vernon was facing a “serious water shortage,” but there was a need for water supply to be managed in a way to protect the long-term food production the approximately 2,100 acres of apple and cherry orchards offer the region and beyond.

“Growers understand the seriousness of the drought, but a 70 percent reduction in agricultural water is not just a crop production issue. At that level, this becomes an orchard-survival issue,” Deep Brar, President of the BC Fruit Growers’ Association, stated, noting that reflects a change of approximately 550 milimetres of water use per season down to 165 milimetres for agricultural purposes.

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“That number should concern everyone. Peer-reviewed apple research has documented severe drought impacts and agronomic death in mature apple trees at a comparable seasonal water-use level. This does not mean every orchard will respond the same way, but it clearly shows these restrictions are entering a danger zone for perennial crops.”

The association also noted that “widespread orchard loss could result in more than $250-million in direct losses,” with broader losses topping $300-million when including the loss of production, labour, packing, trucking, suppliers and other similar businesses.

The Fruit Growers’ Association asked that orchards and agricultural operations be treated differently than residential properties when water conservation is concerned, and take steps to prioritize directing the limited water supply toward food growers and producers. It also asked that crop-science analysis be used to assess orchard survival under the restrictions, and to find out if the province would provide any support if water shortages cause permanent orchard loss.

Brar also added that fruit growers were ready to step up and do their part to conserve water.

“They have invested heavily in drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, soil moisture monitoring, and precision irrigation scheduling,” the BCFGA president stated.

“What they need now is transparency, technical analysis, and a coordinated plan to protect food-producing orchards wherever possible.”

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming told Vernon Matters Monday that GVW was in talks with agricultural operators to find ways to support their farms and food production while conserving water.

by Liam Verster

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