Water Conservation in the RDOS

The Regional District adopted a District-wide Regional Water Use Regulation Bylaw and Regional Water Conservation Strategy specific for the Okanagan-Similkameen. The cross connection control bylaw was presented to the board in early 2021. The implementation of this bylaw will complete the unification of water use standards across all electoral areas within the RDOS owned and operated water systems. These bylaws guide the regulation and use strategy for our precious resource of clean water. The focus of which is on water conservation/efficiency and sustainable water management, integration of extreme weather management recommendations (e.g. drought and flooding), inclusion of climate change and consistent interpretation of the appropriate regulations.

Throughout the summer, the Province of BC issues water restrictions that may not match with local water restrictions. The province manages water on a broader scale and their restrictions apply to agricultural irrigators and commercial users that have been issued water licenses for either surface or groundwater sources. When the RDOS adjusts water restriction stages, it applies to all users whether agricultural or residential, associated with the small water systems we manage. While we work closely with many agencies regionally to assess conditions that affect source water for our systems, the restriction levels often vary. As a resident in the RDOS, follow the restrictions set for your source water supply.

Okanagan Drought Levels

Lingering effects from the 2023 drought, low winter snowpack, low precipitation, and warmer-than-normal temperatures causing an early freshet, have prompted the Government of BC to move the Okanagan to a Level 2 drought rating.

Click the link to view the Okanagan Water Basin Board drought bulletin #2404-1 May 16, 2024.

For further information, please visit the BC Drought information portal.

RDOS Watering Restrictions

Due to low snowpack and minimal precipitation across the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), drought conditions are predicted for the region. As a precautionary measure, the RDOS is asking all water users to reduce outdoor water use to meet Stage 1 water restrictions.

The RDOS is reminding all RDOS owned/operated water system customers that Stage 1 watering restrictions are now in effect. Please restrict use to designated days/times and aim to reduce water use by 10%.

Please click the link to view the information release: Hot Topics | RDOS

Decoding Drought

Decoding Drought engagement sessions were held in February and March 2024, in the communities of Keremeos, Oliver, Cawston and Princeton, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Topics included agricultural drought supports, 2024 conditions, discussion, science and drought response actions.

Please click the link to view the presentation: RDOS Decoding Drought engagement session

Past events: Keremeos, Oliver, Cawston and Princeton

RDOS Water System Showcase