INFORMATION RELEASE - Updated June 3, 2026 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is encouraging residents to conserve water this summer by embracing a natural, water-wise landscape through the launch of the Stay Gold Water Conservation Contest, running from June 1 to August 15, 2026.

The contest invites residents served by RDOS-owned water systems to let their lawns turn golden during the hot summer months and submit a photo for a chance to win prizes. Each participating water system will award its own set of prizes, including $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place.

Water conservation remains a shared priority across the region, particularly during the summer when outdoor watering can account for a significant portion of household water use. By reducing lawn watering, residents can help preserve water supplies for essential uses, protect local ecosystems, and support long-term water sustainability.

“Letting your lawn go gold is one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve water during the summer,” said RDOS Managing Director – Development and Infrastructure Services, Allen Fillion. “What many people don’t realize is that turf grasses enter a protective resting state during hot, dry conditions; a golden lawn is often simply dormant."

Approximately one inch of water per week (on the days and times permitted by current water restrictions) promotes deep and healthy root growth and increases a lawn's drought resilience. Although a dormant lawn isn't actively growing, it does need to be mowed infrequently to ensure it stays tidy.

In addition to saving water, allowing lawns to go dormant can:

• Reduce water bills and overall water demand
• Support drought resilience in the community
• Encourage healthier, more sustainable landscaping practices

Residents can enter the contest by submitting a photo of their golden lawn online through the RDOS Regional Connections Water Conservation project page. Or email your golden lawn photo to utilities@rdos.bc.ca with the subject line “Stay Gold – YourWaterSystem” with your name and address.

The Stay Gold contest supports broader RDOS efforts to promote water conservation and raise awareness about responsible outdoor water use. Residents are encouraged to review current watering restrictions and conservation tips throughout the summer.

Maintain a FireSmart™ home during water conservation

Residents are encouraged to maintain FireSmart properties while following water conservation measures by focusing on fuel reduction rather than irrigation.

Creating a non-combustible space around the home and keeping the immediate area clear of combustible materials can significantly reduce wildfire risk. The area closest to the home, known as the Home Ignition Zone, is the most important space to manage, as conditions within this zone have the greatest impact on whether a home can withstand a wildfire.

Vegetation management also plays an important role. This includes:

• Keeping grasses shorter than 10 cm
• Spacing plants and trees appropriately
• Pruning lower branches to reduce ladder fuels
• Removing dry or dead vegetation and debris

These actions help reduce potential fire intensity and limit how easily fire can spread, even when watering is restricted. Additional information on FireSmart landscaping practices, including lawn care during drought and fire risk conditions, is available through the FireSmart BC Lawn Tips guide.

Residents are encouraged to use care and good judgment when managing their properties during water conservation periods. While allowing lawns to go dormant supports water conservation, it remains important to maintain safe conditions around structures.

For further information about the Stay Gold contest and water conservation resources, visit rdosregionalconnections.ca or rdos.bc.ca.

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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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The above graphic shows the Home Ignition Zones and illustrates where fuel reduction is most important around structures.