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(Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)
By Liam Verster
Ongoing Drought

Drought and water scarcity levels remain at highest rating

Aug 27, 2026 | 11:57 AM

The drought and water scarcity concerns remain extremely high in the Okanagan.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan had the highest drought severity and water scarcity ratings possible on Thursday, Aug. 27. That marked the fifth straight week with the high ratings.

It also came following a weekend that brought rain over the region, though the agency noted that did not impact conditions.

“Declining water levels are creating fish passage challenges where smaller streams connect to larger waterbodies, including the Thompson River, Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Shuswap Lake and Nicola Lake,” the River Forecast stated in its weekly report.

“Severe water supply concerns persist across the Okanagan and Nicola watersheds, with limited or no water available for release from some reservoirs. Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Lake, Nicola Lake and Mamit Lake remain at record-low levels.”

Ongoing Drought
Drought and water scarcity levels remain at highest rating
40m ago
Wildfire Activity
Spot fires in the North Okanagan contained
2h ago
Addressing Resident Concerns
Coldstream investigating options for some concerns around the new Vernon Hill parking area
6h ago

The drought conditions, low water levels and persistent wildfire risks were also applying pressures to communities, fish, wildlife and ecosystems throughout the Okanagan.

People were urged to follow all local water restrictions and to take actions to conserve water wherever possible.

by Liam Verster
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What Matters

Ongoing Drought
Drought and water scarcity levels remain at highest rating
40m ago
Wildfire Activity
Spot fires in the North Okanagan contained
2h ago
Addressing Resident Concerns
Coldstream investigating options for some concerns around the new Vernon Hill parking area
6h ago
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Coldstream to introduce e-scooters
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EOC Funding
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