Looking for the water restriction stage in your neighborhood? Head over to the main RDOS Water Restrictions page here:
https://www.rdos.bc.ca/utilities/water-systems/water-restrictions/

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is encouraging residents to conserve water this summer by embracing a natural, water-wise landscape through the launch of the Stay Gold Water Conservation Contest, running from June 1 to August 15, 2026.

The contest invites residents served by RDOS-owned water systems to let their lawns turn golden during the hot summer months and submit a photo for a chance to win prizes. Each participating water system will be awarded its own set of prizes, including $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Anyone can send in pictures of their lawn; however, only residents who are supplied water by an RDOS-owned or managed water system are eligible for prizes. For full contest rules, see the Official Contest Rules here.

Letting lawns go dormant is one of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve water during the summer. Turf grasses enter a protective resting state during hot, dry conditions, so a golden lawn is often simply dormant. Approximately one inch of water per week (on permitted watering days and times!) promotes deep and healthy root growth, and helps increase the lawn's drought resiliance. Although a dormant lawn isn't actively growing, it does need to be mowed infrequently to ensure it stays tidy.

In addition to saving water, allowing lawns to go dormant can:

• Reduce water bills and overall water demand
• Support drought resilience in the community
• Encourage healthier, more sustainable landscaping practices

Residents can enter the contest by submitting a photo in the form linked above, or by emailing utilities@rdos.bc.ca with the subject line “Stay Gold – YourWaterSystem,” and including their name and address in the email.

The Stay Gold contest supports broader RDOS efforts to promote water conservation and raise awareness about responsible outdoor water use. Residents are also encouraged to review current watering restrictions and conservation tips throughout the summer.

Despite some much-needed rain in May, the Okanagan continues to face serious drought conditions. Years of below-normal precipitation and low snowpack — which melted earlier this year than ever recorded in many areas — have led the Province to set the drought level for the Okanagan at Level 5, the highest possible rating. The Similkameen is in Drought Level 2.

With snowpack gone earlier than usual, streams across the valley have already seen their spring freshets finish. In most cases, these peak flows occurred earlier than normal and at lower-than-average levels.

Read more in the most recent Drought Bulletin from the Okanagan Basin Water Board: Okanagan Starts Season at Drought Level 5:

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The RDOS has already implemented water use restrictions for all RDOS-owned and operated water systems. (Unsure of your restriction stage? You can check here). Ongoing drought conditions, low precipitation, increased seasonal demand, and heightened wildfire risk continue to place pressure on local water supplies. Residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential outdoor water use and follow current watering guidelines. Conserving water helps protect community infrastructure and ensures a reliable water supply during periods of high demand.

Every drop counts. Thank you for doing your part.

For more information on drought conditions, check out the BC Drought Information Portal: https://drought-information-portal-bcgov03.hub.arcgis.com/