OKANAGAN MOVED TO DROUGHT LEVEL 3
Warm and dry conditions have prompted the Province of B.C. to announce a Level 3 drought for much of B.C., including the Okanagan region.
Water suppliers should continue to monitor weather, reservoir and groundwater levels, and customer demand to assess whether higher water restrictions are necessary for your community.
Low snowpack over the winter months combined with a warm spring has led to a rapid and early shift from the spring melt season to low flow conditions. With warmer than normal weather forecasted for the summer, we should prepare for what could be a very dry season.
Drought Level 3 indicates that serious ecosystem or socioeconomic impacts are possible and calls for voluntary water use reductions from all water users, including residents, industry, farmers and municipalities. The suggested target is a 30% reduction in water use.