Water Conservation

There are year-round, assigned day water conservation measures in place to help to reduce peaks in water use, reducing the high demands on our water delivery system at any given time. This allows the system to keep up with the demands for clean drinking water, irrigation and commercial use, and gives it the ability to store water for future use (ie. in case of local fires).

• Automatic underground irrigation systems may be run between midnight and 6 a.m. up to three days per week.
  • E.g. an odd-numbered home can water anytime between midnight and 6 a.m.  on Tuesday, Thursday and/or Saturday.
• Manual sprinklers may be run between 6-10 a.m. or 7 p.m. and midnight on the assigned day, up to three days per week.

Assigned day water conservation measures help us use water wisely so that we can continue to supply sufficient water for all our needs without expensive upgrades to our delivery system. 

Normal Conditions

Water Wise use practices:

• Manual watering in mornings or evenings and not during the mid-day heat or when it is windy 
• Watering with a watering can or by hand whenever possible 
• Keep grass longer and leave clippings on the lawn 
• Remember to turn off your automated irrigation system during rainy periods. Don't set it and forget it!
• Don't water gravel or pavement

Stage 1 

• 90-80% of Average Conditions 
• Properties may irrigate lawns, trees, flowers and shrubs up to three days a week
• Automated systems should operate between 12am and 6am
• Filling pools, hot tubs and daily watering of household gardens for food is still permitted

Agricultural:

• No recommended changes to agricultural allotments but monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance of the allotments will occur.

Stage 2 

• 80-45% of Average Conditions. Residential and commercial irrigation is permitted once or twice a week as determined by the Director.

Stage 3

• <45% of Average Conditions. Residential and commercial irrigation is prohibited.

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In partnership with the Okanagan Xeriscape Association, the Make Water Work Plant Collection brings together a palette of WaterWise plants that celebrate the beauty of what’s possible in the Okanagan climate. You can be WaterWise and FireSmart™. 



The Make Water Work Plant Collection list contains a handy list of shrubs, trees, flowers and groundcovers well suited to dry weather. Take it with you the next time you go plant shopping: 

Make Water Work Plant Collection list