The City of Vernon has partnered with the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) to expand the use of reclaimed water to support on-site agricultural irrigation and respond to ongoing drought conditions.
Provincial approval has been granted to temporarily connect the City of Vernon’s reclaimed water system to the RDNO’s non-potable irrigation system in the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake service area. This connection allows high-quality reclaimed water to be delivered directly to agricultural users using existing regional infrastructure. The temporary approval remains in place until the end of this year, while a long-term solution is being investigated.
“Prompt support for our agricultural community during this period of drought has been a shared priority for all partners involved,” said Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming. “I want to thank the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and the Ministry of Agriculture for their collaborative approach and commitment to finding solutions. This initiative demonstrates the value of working together to respond to local time-sensitive challenges and provide critical support to agricultural users who are facing very difficult conditions.”
This initiative was developed to respond to critical drought conditions and increased pressure on regional water supplies, helping address immediate irrigation needs. As part of the approval requirements, reclaimed water will be used for approved irrigation purposes and supplied directly to agricultural properties. Reclaimed water will not be discharged into Goose Lake.
Supporting agriculture during drought
The City of Vernon’s Water Reclamation Centre produces highly treated reclaimed water from wastewater that meets provincial standards for approved irrigation uses. Reclaimed water is not drinking water but can be safely used for irrigation, including agricultural lands, golf courses, parks and sports fields. Vernon has used reclaimed water for decades, helping conserve treated drinking water supplies for other community needs.
By connecting the City's reclaimed water system with the RDNO's existing non-potable irrigation network, the project expands the use of reclaimed water while maximizing existing regional infrastructure. The connection also creates greater flexibility within the regional irrigation system to respond to current drought conditions and future water management needs.
“The ongoing drought continues to place significant pressure on agricultural operations across Greater Vernon,” said Director Bob Fleming, Chair of the RDNO Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. “This temporary connection allows us to maximize existing infrastructure and provide an important source of irrigation water to agricultural customers during a critical time. We appreciate the collaboration of our municipal and provincial partners in helping deliver a practical solution that supports local food production and strengthens regional water resilience.”
Construction was completed this week, and the system is now undergoing testing.
About reclaimed water
- The City of Vernon’s Water Reclamation Centre receives and treats approximately 13 megalitres of wastewater every day.
- Reclaimed water is used to irrigate areas throughout Greater Vernon, including agricultural lands, golf courses, parks and sports fields.
- Reclaimed water is not drinking water. It is highly treated wastewater that meets provincial standards for approved non-potable uses, such as irrigation.
- Vernon has been using reclaimed water for irrigation for decades, with the community’s spray irrigation program dating back to the 1970s.