Greater Vernon Water → Water Conservation → Water Restrictions
Water Restrictions
Proposed Water Use Restrictions
Drought is a fact of life for residents of the Okanagan Valley. Greater Vernon Water has a Drought Management Plan (DMP) in place to help deal with the effects of drought on our water supply. A Drought Response Team was created in 2010 to help review the DMP and recommend revised Water Use Restrictions.
The Drought Response Team has put in many hours of work and has provided valuable input on the impact of drought on our community. Team members represented a range of community volunteers including businesses in the hospitality, manufacturing, and landscaping sectors, agricultural producers, government agencies, and resident representatives. The result of their efforts is a significantly revised DMP and a shift from four drought categories (stages) to five, among other changes. In addition to a community survey, an Open House was held January 11, 2012 for residents to ask questions and provide comments in advance of the new restriction stages being incorporated into bylaw.
For reference, the Drought Management Plan prepared for Greater Vernon Water by Clarke Geoscience Ltd. is available here.
Current Water Restrictions - Bylaw No. 2248
Stage 1 Restrictions are in effect at all times in Greater Vernon, which means that lawn and garden sprinkling is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The best time to water your lawn or garden is during the coolest time, which is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Other tips include washing your vehicle at the carwash or on your lawn, and covering your swimming pool when not in use.