Water Conservation in Vernon

Every Drop Counts

The North Okanagan is currently under Stage 3 Water Restrictions due to severe drought conditions, low snowpack, early snowmelt, and below-average precipitation. To help protect our community's water supply through the summer and fall, all residents, businesses, and organizations must significantly reduce water use.

The community-wide goal is to reduce water consumption by 50 percent while ensuring there is enough water available for essential needs.

Why Water Conservation Matters

This year's water supply has been impacted by several factors:

• Below-average snowpack in the Duteau Creek watershed
• Earlier-than-normal snowmelt
• Lower-than-normal rainfall
• Warmer temperatures and increased water demand
• Declining reservoir levels supplying Greater Vernon Water customers

These conditions have placed significant pressure on our water system and require immediate action from the entire community.

Current Water Restrictions

Stage 3 Water Restrictions are in effect throughout the Greater Vernon Water service area.

Key restrictions include:

• No lawn watering
• No filling or refilling of private swimming pools
• Outdoor water use should be kept to an absolute minimum
• Watering should be limited to essential plants, food gardens, and trees
• Residents and businesses are expected to reduce overall water consumption by 50 percent

Failure to comply with water restrictions may result in warnings, fines, or water service interruption.

View Full Restrictions

How the City of Vernon is Conserving Water

The City is taking immediate steps to reduce water consumption across municipal operations while maintaining essential public services. Measures include:

Parks and Green Spaces

• Irrigation is being reduced wherever possible.
• Reclaimed water is being used for park irrigation and tree watering where available.
• Water use is being prioritized for heavily used parks, sports fields, and community gathering spaces.

City Facilities and Operations

• Non-essential water use has been reduced.
• Pressure washing activities have been limited to health, safety, and graffiti removal needs.
• Municipal departments are working to achieve the same 50 percent reduction target expected of the community.
   

Water Features

• Decorative water features, spray parks, and similar amenities have been shut down where possible to conserve water.
• Community pools remain operational to support public recreation and safety during hot weather.

How Residents Can Help

Small changes can make a big difference when adopted across the community.

Outdoors

• Stop watering lawns.
• Water only essential plants, trees, and food gardens.
• Use drip irrigation or hand watering when permitted.
• Add mulch around plants to retain moisture.
• Choose drought-tolerant landscaping and native plants.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of washing them.

Indoors

• Fix leaking faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems promptly.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off taps while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

These actions help preserve water supplies while reducing household water consumption.