Emergency operations centre activated to help with North Okanagan water shortage

The regional district is working to address ongoing water supply challenges amid a historic drought

Emergency operations centre activated to help with North Okanagan water shortage Published 5:00 pm Saturday, July 11, 2026 As an unprecedented drought grips the region, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) has activated an emergency operations centre to help manage Stage 3 water restrictions and deal with serious water shortages. The emergency operations centre was activated and assigned a task number through Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, allowing staff to investigate available provincial support and coordinate with partner agencies, the RDNO said in a media release Friday, July 10.

The RDNO recognized the region’s dependence on agriculture and said it is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and has hired two dedicated agricultural positions to support outreach, communication and coordination with producers. The regional district has also retained an irrigation specialist to work with major agricultural water users on irrigation scheduling strategies in order to maximize water efficiency while minimizing impacts on crop production, the RDNO said. “Since implementing Stage 3 watering restrictions, (RDNO) staff have been working to address ongoing water supply challenges, support impacted residents and agricultural producers, and identify both immediate and long-term solutions to improve water system resilience,” the press release states.

Stage 3 water restrictions were put in place June 4 and place significant water use limits on agriculturalists, who are now only able to use 30 per cent of their annual allotment prorated from June 14, with water service to be shut off once this limit is reached. Other domestic water use has also been limited, such as washing cars for aesthetic purposes and watering lawns. For those failing to comply with the restrictions, verbal warnings are being issued followed by fines, and potentially water shut-offs for those who persistently contravene.

“While Stage 3 restrictions were necessary to protect our water supply, we recognize the hardship they create,” said Stacey Raftus, RDNO communications officer. “Our staff, partners, and contractors have been working to explore options to increase water supply, support agriculture, and help our communities through this challenging period.” RDNO staff are pursuing opportunities to add to the local water supply, including: • Bringing the Antwerp Deep Well online to help offset declining levels in Duteau Reservoir •

Investigating the feasibility of bringing the Antwerp Shallow Well online • Advancing approvals, engineering, and operational planning to explore connecting the City of Vernon Water Reclamation Centre’s Spray Irrigation Program with Goose Lake Reservoir • Assessing the potential to transfer water from Swan Lake to Goose Lake Reservoir • Working closely with the City of Vernon and District of Coldstream on water conservation plans and priorities These initiatives require regulatory review, engineering assessment, and operational planning, the RDNO said.

“Staff continue to advance this work as quickly as possible while ensuring necessary provincial and federal approvals and environmental considerations are addressed.” While these measures are intended to help address immediate concerns, the RDNO is also focused on longer-term solutions to strengthen water supply reliability and improve drought resilience. Staff said it is working with provincial agencies, local governments, the agricultural sector, and community partners to reduce the impacts of future drought

eventsThe RDNO also said it recognizes that prolonged drought conditions and water restrictions can place significant stress on individuals, families, and businesses, particularly within the agricultural community. Mental health and wellness resources are available for farmers and ranchers through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “Water shortages affect more than our landscapes and crops — they affect people,” said Raftus.

“We encourage everyone to take care of themselves, reach out for support when needed, and continue checking in on friends, neighbours, and fellow community members.” AgSafe BC provides free and confidential mental wellness resources, counselling services, training, and support for members of the B.C. agriculture industry. Visit agsafebc.ca for more information.

Agricultural information session upcoming, plus other resources Greater Vernon Water is inviting all agricultural customers to attend an information session at Coldstream Community Hall Tuesday, July 21 at 5 p.m. This meeting will provide an update on current conditions and Stage 3 Water Restrictions. Utility staff, agricultural specialists, and customers will review progress and discuss ongoing efforts.

For farmers, water allocation sharing is being made possible. Agriculturalists can fill out the water allocation adjustment form to apply for the transfer of allocation with another property owner. Both properties must have farm classification to participate.

Partial transfers are permitted, and allocations may be split between one or more eligible properties. Greater Vernon Water has external support available to help agricultural customers share water allocations. If farmers do not expect to use their reduced allocation this season, they can transfer all or part of their remaining allocation to another agricultural customer.

If they need additional water to get through the season, they can contact the agricultural coordinator to be potentially matched with a customer who may have allocation available. The agricultural coordinator can be reached at jess.washtock@gmail.com or 250-804-9260. Producers who are experiencing feed shortages may be able to access feed assistance through the BC Cattlemen’s Association.

Visit cattlemen.bc.ca/accestofeed.htm for more information. Agriculturalists who have crop insurance coverage can contact their Ministry of Agriculture and Food Production Insurance representative by email at 1-888-332-3352. Crop losses occurring as a result of drought and/or regulatory orders issued in relation to drought are covered if you are enrolled in the program.