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By Liam Verster
Water Restrictions

Water conservation urged in preparation for dry summer

May 12, 2026 | 9:32 AM

The Mayor of Vernon is urging water conservation as the North Okanagan prepares for another dry summer.

During the council meeting Monday, Victor Cumming said the snowpack levels were seriously low and that the reservoirs were already seeing below-average levels.

The mayor said if the trends continue then Vernon and the North Okanagan could see another drought.

“This could be a very, very dry year,” the mayor told Vernon Matters.

“We’re in our fourth [consecutive] year of drought. Penticton already, in the first three months of 2026, has had less rainfall than ever on record, even back to the 1930s, and Vernon’s right on the edge of that.

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“I just really encourage people to really conserve water and get thinking about this being a dry, rather warm spring and summer.”

Cumming noted that without the above normal precipitation in March, Vernon would already be seeing the effects of the drought.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions were issued for all properties serviced by Greater Vernon Water on May 7.

The mayor also recommended people follow the FireSmart guide to protect their properties from potential fires this summer.

by Liam Verster
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