July 15, 2026:
The Okanagan continues to experience drought conditions that have created serious water scarcity challenges for many of our communities. Lake levels, streamflows, and groundwater supplies are all showing signs of significant drought stress.
Local utilities enact early-season water restrictions
Forecasts indicate the summer ahead is likely to be hot and dry, so conservation and careful water management is critical to preserve water supplies for the rest of the summer season. A few Okanagan utilities have already implemented major restrictions for both agricultural and residential users. This includes Stage 3 level water restrictions imposed in communities in the North and Central Okanagan.
It is more important than ever that all sectors work together to conserve what we can so that our water supply lasts. Every drop counts.
Read the latest OBWB Drought Bulletin here.
Remember: Your local water supplier knows best what’s needed to keep water flowing for homes, food, fish, and firefighting right where you are.
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?
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!