Greater Vernon Water Implements Stage 3 Restrictions as Drought Worsens
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
GVW will enforce the restrictions with warnings, escalating fines, and potential water shutoffs for repeat offenders.
COLDSTREAM, B.C. June 4, 2026 - The Regional District of North Okanagan has moved Greater Vernon Water (GVW) to Stage 3 Watering Restrictions effective immediately, citing critically low reservoir levels and extremely dry conditions.
According to a news release from the Regional District, the decision follows below-average snowpack, earlier-than-usual snowmelt, below-normal precipitation, and higher-than-average early-season water demand.
Forecasts call for continued warm, dry weather, putting pressure on supplies from the Aberdeen Plateau Dams (Duteau Creek) and Kalamalka Lake.
Under Stage 3, all customers in the Greater Vernon Water service area — including the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream, portions of Spallumcheen, and Electoral Areas B, C, and D, must significantly reduce consumption.
The community-wide target is a 50% reduction in water use
Key changes include:
No lawn watering or filling of private pools.
Outdoor watering limited to only what is essential for trees, food gardens, and other critical plantings.
Agricultural users required to cut water use by 70% to protect the Duteau supply.
“The drought conditions we’re experiencing this year are serious and require all of us to take immediate action,” said Shirley Fowler, Chair of the RDNO Board of Directors. “Every resident and business plays a critical role in protecting our water supply.”Compliance is mandatory.
GVW will enforce the restrictions with warnings, escalating fines, and potential water shutoffs for repeat offenders. The district is also adjusting system operations, increasing monitoring, and posting signs to support conservation.
Residents are encouraged to visit rdno.ca/WaterRestrictions for full details and conservation tips.
Greater Vernon Water Implements Stage 3 Restrictions as Drought Worsens