INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is working with partners across the Okanagan and Similkameen to share updates on water levels and drought conditions. Several drought indicators are showing very low and, in some cases, record-low readings.

With a warmer, drier summer forecast, conserving water is more important than ever.

Why are water restrictions in place so early?

• Reducing water use early in the season helps keep reservoir levels high enough to meet community needs and support firefighting later in the summer. The more water that is conserved now, the less likely the need for stricter restrictions later.
• Using less water also reduces strain on water-supply infrastructure (pumps, pipes, and valves), helping prevent equipment from running nonstop for months. Many small RDOS systems are aging, so extending the life of this infrastructure is essential.
• Responsible water usage in the summer also reduces the draw on the groundwater sources that fill water reservoirs. These underground ponds (aquifers) take a very long time to refill once depleted, so it is important to take care of them.

How do I follow water restrictions?

In addition to outlining irrigation days and times, water restrictions also state the amount of water conservation that needs to take place to keep the water supply healthy, but it can be hard to visualize what a 20% or 50% reduction of water use looks like. The table below gives an example of how to adjust the amount of time spent watering on permitted watering days for the different water restriction stages. These time reductions apply to any watering, whether automatic or manual sprinklers, drip lines, or hand watering with a hose.

Many lawns are inadvertently overwatered during the summer. Only around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week is required for most lawns to stay alive in hot, dry conditions. To see how much watering is truly needed, try the “tuna can test.” Place an empty tuna can (or similar small container) on the lawn while watering. When the tuna can is full, or when the container has 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water in it, turn the water off and make a note of how long it took the watering system to get to that point. 

In addition to adjusting lawn and landscape watering, other water conservation measures are also important during water restrictions:

• Let home siding, vehicles, boats, walkways, and driveways stay dirty. A bit of dirt won’t hurt, and outdoor washing for aesthetic reasons is not permitted beyond Stage 1 water restrictions.
• Hand-water or use drip irrigation in gardens. These options are more efficient than sprinklers or automatic systems; drip irrigation can use up to 60% less water than a sprinkler.
• Avoid topping up pools and hot tubs and keep them covered to reduce evaporation. Topping up pools and hot tubs is not permitted beyond Stage 2 water restrictions.
• Find and fix leaks. Outdoor irrigation leaks waste millions of litres each month across the RDOS, so repair broken sprinkler heads and leaky hoses promptly.

Water restriction stages may vary by system. Levels may differ across the region and may not always match neighbouring communities. Local conditions determine restrictions. While the Province of British Columbia provides broad drought guidance, the RDOS sets restriction stages based on the specific conditions of each water system.

Community cooperation is essential to maintaining a reliable water supply during periods of high demand. Small actions, taken collectively, help protect vital infrastructure and ensure water remains available for essential community needs.

Every drop counts. Thank you for doing your part to conserve water in the Okanagan-Similkameen.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

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