The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has adopted a district-wide Regional Water Use Regulation Bylaw and a Regional Water Conservation Strategy specific to the Okanagan-Similkameen.

These bylaws guide how clean water is regulated and used across RDOS-owned and operated water systems.

The bylaws focus on:

• Water conservation and efficient use
• Sustainable water management
• Integration of extreme weather management recommendations, such as drought and flooding
• Inclusion of climate change considerations
• Consistent interpretation and application of water regulations

These measures support the responsible use of a limited and valuable resource.

The Cross Connection Control Bylaw was presented to the RDOS Board in early 2021.

Once implemented, it will:

• Complete the unification of water use standards across all electoral areas
• Apply to RDOS-owned and operated water systems

Water restrictions issued by the Province of British Columbia may not match those set by the RDOS because they apply to different users and are managed at different scales.

• Provincial restrictions apply broadly and are intended for agricultural irrigators and commercial users with water licences for surface or groundwater.
• RDOS restrictions apply to all users connected to the small water systems managed by the RDOS, including both residential and agricultural users.

The RDOS works closely with regional partners to assess conditions affecting source water for its systems. However, restriction levels may vary from provincial levels due to differences in local water sources and system conditions.

Residents should follow the water restrictions set for their specific source water supply.

For the latest information on water restrictions in your area, visit the Water Restrictions page at rdos.bc.ca.