Okanagan Water Facts
There is less water available per person in the Okanagan than anywhere else in Canada.
The Okanagan has one of the highest rates of water use per person in Canada.
The second largest use of water in the Okanagan is used on our household lawns & gardens.
The Okanagan is on the front lines of climate change, shifting between flooding and drought, and extreme fire seasons.
As we work to find solutions to these climate events, Make Water Work is aimed at preparing Okanagan residents with resilient landscapes that can handle wet and dry years, and help ensure a sustainable water supply for our valley.
Ready to test your Okanagan water IQ and find tips to
Make Water Work Smarter in your yard?
Current Okanagan Drought Level
Level 2
June 13, 2025: The Okanagan could be heading into another hot, dry summer. Conditions across the valley will vary, and it is important to know where to get accurate and locally relevant information.
The drought level set by the Province of B.C. (see above) shows us the big picture for the Okanagan, but what really counts for your home and garden are your local watering restrictions. Why? Because they’re set based on the specific water supply and demand right where you live.
Remember: Your local water supplier knows best what’s needed to keep water flowing for homes, food, fish, and firefighting right where you are.
If you water your yard… make water work smarter!
XERISCAPE, NOT ZERO-SCAPE
There are many beautiful plants that thrive in our dry Okanagan climate! For a full list, check here!