Water restrictions enhanced for Greater Vernon due to storage concerns

May 7, 2026 | 1:33 PM

Stage 2 Water Restrictions were issued for Greater Vernon properties Thursday.

The restrictions were increased May 7 due to concerns about the water available for use heading through the spring and into the summer.

“These measures are necessary due to low snowpack levels, which have reduced the available stored water, combined with warmer-than-normal spring temperatures and low rainfall for the area,” the Regional District of North Okanagan said in a release.

“Under the GVW Water Shortage Management Plan, stronger restrictions are now required to protect the water supply throughout summer and fall.”

Stage 2 restrictions involve limiting manual and automatic sprinkler watering for lawns and gardens to just Tuesdays and Saturdays for odd-numbered addresses and to Wednesday and Sunday for even-numbered addresses. Yard and garden watering would also not be permitted any day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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Under Stage 2 people could still hand water using a watering can or a hose with a spring-loaded nozzle up to three days a week, but also outside that 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. window.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions (Image Credit: RDNO)

“All customers are expected to reduce water use by 20 per cent,” the RDNO stated.

“Most lawns only require watering once per week to remain healthy. During hot weather, lawns may naturally brown and go dormant; this is normal, and grass will recover when conditions improve.”

These restrictions apply to all Greater Vernon Water customers in Vernon, Coldstream, portions of Spallumcheen, and Electoral Areas B, C and D. They also apply to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties.

“These restrictions are critical to ensure reliable water supplies for our community throughout the dry summer, to protect fish habitat, and maintain adequate resources for wildfire response,” the RDNO noted.

“The success of these restrictions relies on community cooperation and compliance. Working together now while temperatures are high will help us safeguard water for essential needs in the future.”

by Liam Verster

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