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 1
Despite some short-term improvements in conditions due to recent rains, the Okanagan remains dry. The province did decrease the Okanagan drought rating down to a Drought Level 1, but it is expected to go up again with warm weather in the forecast. Despite this change, Okanagan residents are urged to continue practicing smart water conservation.
The drought level set by the Province tells us the big picture for the Okanagan and right now many streams are low and their water is warm. As summer continues, fish start returning and farmers are getting ready to harvest crops – it is important to conserve water wherever possible.
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!