Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
West Kelowna water restrictions updated. (Image Credit: City of West Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Water Restrictions

West Kelowna moves to Stage 3 water restrictions amid drought conditions

Jul 13, 2026 | 10:40 AM

West Kelowna has moved to Stage 3 outdoor watering regulations as drought, heat and high water demand continue to put pressure on local reservoirs.

The restrictions limit residential irrigation to one day per week in an effort to conserve water supplies for essential indoor use, firefighting and other critical needs.

Under Stage 3 regulations, residents with even-numbered addresses can water lawns on Saturdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses can water on Sundays. Automatic sprinkler systems are only allowed between midnight and 6 a.m. on the designated day.

Manual sprinklers connected to taps can operate between midnight and 11 a.m. or between 6 p.m. and midnight on watering days. Sprinkling is prohibited between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The City said water demand has increased significantly, with more than 90 million litres flowing daily through the Rose Valley and Powers Creek Water Treatment Plants.

Vehicle Disabled, Man Arrested
Spike strip used to stop fleeing vehicle
2h ago
May 2027 Camps
NFL coaches coming to Vernon for Global Gridiron camps
4h ago
Election 2026
Kelly Fehr seeking third term on Vernon City Council
5h ago

“With a low snowpack this winter, combined with little rain and high temperatures, we need to reduce demand for outdoor water use now so that our future water supplies remain sustainable if drought conditions persist,” said Patrick Pulak, the city’s general manager of operations.

The restrictions also prohibit filling swimming pools, hot tubs, decorative fountains and garden ponds, as well as washing vehicles, driveways, decks, patios and sidewalks. The City said early conservation efforts are the best way to protect reservoir storage and avoid more severe restrictions if conditions worsen. Stage 4 restrictions would prohibit all outdoor watering and prioritize water for firefighting and essential indoor needs.

Residents are encouraged to reduce water use by watering lawns less frequently, leaving grass longer to improve water retention and choosing plants better suited to the region’s dry climate.

—

by Vernon Matters Staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Splash Around and Cool Down
Lavington Outdoor Pool opened over the weekend
A local amenity people use to escape the heat opened over the weekend.The Lavington Outdoor Pool faced several delays to its opening due to mechanical issues that needed immediate repairs.The pool's system was fixed and it was able to open and give people a place to cool off Saturday.The pool will remain open for use t...
1h ago
Read More
Vehicle Disabled, Man Arrested
Spike strip used to stop fleeing vehicle
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP had to disable a vehicle in order to make an arrest Saturday evening.At around 6 p.m. July 11, police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked outside a residence on 25th Avenue.Police responded and located the vehicle travelling on 24th Avenue, but when officers tried to initiate a t...
2h ago
Read More
New Program
Okanagan College adding new medical lab programs with provincial funding
Okanagan College is expanding its health-care training options with a $1.5 million investment from the Province of British Columbia to help launch new Medical Laboratory Technologist and Medical Laboratory Assistant programs.The programs, expected to begin in September 2027, will provide students with hands-on training...
2h ago
Read More
Catch basin treatments
Second round of mosquito control underway
Mosquito control crews are back out across the Central Okanagan for a second round of roadside catch basin treatments.Crews are placing larvicide pouches in catch basins to help prevent mosquito growth and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus.Residents can also help by removing standing wate...
3h ago
Read More
May 2027 Camps
NFL coaches coming to Vernon for Global Gridiron camps
A local businessman and football coach will be bringing some big names in the sport to the North Okanagan.Global Gridiron will host football camps in Vernon and Salmon Arm on the weeks of May 20 and May 28, 2027.The camps will provide local athletes with a chance to learn from elite coaches to develop their skills and ...
4h ago
Read More
Upper Hand
Park Lakes wildfire east of Oyama Lake under control
A wildfire east of Oyama Lake has been brought under control after crews responded to the blaze over the weekend.The BC Wildfire Service says the Park Lakes wildfire was discovered Sunday, July 12, and grew to 1.7 hectares before crews were able to contain it.An initial attack crew, along with two helicopters and airta...
5h ago
Read More
Election 2026
Kelly Fehr seeking third term on Vernon City Council
A Vernon City Councillor will look to serve the city for a third term.Kelly Fehr announced he will again run for his seat in the municipal election in October.Fehr was first elected in 2018, and said in a release his decision to seek re-election stemmed from a commitment to help Vernon responsibly navigate growth while...
5h ago
Read More
Water Restrictions
West Kelowna moves to Stage 3 water restrictions amid drought conditions
West Kelowna has moved to Stage 3 outdoor watering regulations as drought, heat and high water demand continue to put pressure on local reservoirs.The restrictions limit residential irrigation to one day per week in an effort to conserve water supplies for essential indoor use, firefighting and other critical needs.Und...
6h ago
Read More
Advocates for Agricultural Cost Supports
Coldstream still on the fence about joining municipal agricultural initiative
Coldstream has still not decided on whether to join a municipal agricultural initiative.In June, the Mayor of Summerland approached Coldstream Council asking the district join the initiative, which would see municipalities work together to ask the province to provide funding to offset infrastructure and other associate...
Jul 12, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Vehicle Disabled, Man Arrested
Spike strip used to stop fleeing vehicle
2h ago
May 2027 Camps
NFL coaches coming to Vernon for Global Gridiron camps
4h ago
Election 2026
Kelly Fehr seeking third term on Vernon City Council
5h ago
Advocates for Agricultural Cost Supports
Coldstream still on the fence about joining municipal agricultural initiative
Jul 12, 2026
Limit to 30% Allotted Water
Further water restrictions coming for North Okanagan agricultural properties, special meeting with details scheduled
Jul 10, 2026