City Water Utility moving to Stage 1 restrictions
The City Water Utility is implementing Stage 1 water restrictions beginning Tuesday, May 12. This comes in response to Okanagan Lake being at a record low due to low snowpack and lack of precipitation. This restriction does not apply to agricultural customers served by the non-potable irrigation system.
Other water utilities serving Kelowna, including Glenmore Ellison Water System and Rutland Waterworks are taking similar steps to ensure consistent water supply.
“We are not immune to drought conditions in Kelowna despite the size of Okanagan Lake. As we enter peak season for water use, we need to prioritize conservation to guarantee consistent water supply for all Water Utility customers,” says Water Quality & Customer Care Supervisor Ed Hoppe. “Roughly a quarter of the Utility’s water is used on yards so a great first step is for all of us to familiarize ourselves with the watering schedule and comply with restrictions.”
Stage 1 Outdoor Watering Restrictions Schedule:
| Automatic Irrigation Systems Manual Sprinklers | |
|---|---|
| Odd-numbered addresses | Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays |
| Even-numbered addresses | Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays |
| All addresses | No watering on Mondays |
Watering restrictions and designated watering times include:
- Manual sprinkling and handheld watering is permitted between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. OR between 7 p.m. and midnight on designated days.
- Automatic sprinklers may operate between midnight and 6 a.m. on designated days.
By implementing Stage 1 restrictions, the City Water Utility aims to reduce both overall water usage and peak demand by 10 percent. A sustained decline in water consumption ensures the Utility can maintain normal operations and secure water resources for future years.
"Water drawn from Okanagan Lake goes through a lot of infrastructure and treatment processes before it arrives at resident homes,” says Hoppe. “Water customers can help avoid further restrictions by being conscious of their water use, considering the timing of their use, and promptly addressing any leaks in their watering systems. This helps prevent water restrictions now and will ensure we are ready to adapt to a changing climate."
This announcement follows the District of Lake Country’s Stage 2 water restrictions, in effect as of May 4. Customers on the Lake Country Water Utility should follow the restrictions outlined at lakecountry.bc.ca/waterconservation.
Looking for more ways to be Water Smart? We can help:
- Apply for a Water Smart rebate: available for drought-tolerant landscaping plants and for irrigation controllers, for residents in both single-family dwellings and strata complexes.
- Book a free irrigation assessment: available for all residents on the City Water Utility to help understand water use and improve irrigation systems. Book now by emailing [email protected].
- Monitor your water usage: install the EyeOnWater app after your water meter has been replaced by the City’s Water Utility team. Haven’t scheduled your replacement yet? Learn more and book now online.
Water conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Find more ways to be Water Smart at kelowna.ca/watersmart. Learn more about water restrictions at kelowna.ca/waterrestrictions.
