2025 Drought Bulletin

Sept. 11, 2025 | Issue 7

Low Creeks and Rivers Raise Drought Rating

As of Sept. 11, 2025, the Province of B.C. has raised the Okanagan's drought level to Level 3 due to recent dry conditions that have further decreased flow levels in many creeks and rivers.

While the Okanagan regional drought level had showed short-term improvement a few weeks ago, warm water temperatures and low flows continued to be a concerning trend. This current level is more reflective of the on-the-ground conditions being observed. You can read the Okanagan Nation Alliance's letter sharing their concerns with the new drought rating system.

The forecast predicts little to no precipitation and rising temperatures in the coming days, which may worsen drought conditions. That makes it crucial that we continue to practice water conservation. Water is vital for our farmers, firefighters, and fish migration at this pivotal time.

Conditions outside the valley are historically dry

Conditions remain challenging in neighbouring regions, with the Nicola and Similkameen Valleys at Drought Level 3 and 4, respectively. Many streamflow stations on the Similkameen are recording their lowest values ever for this time of year.

Due to dangerously low flow conditions on the Salmon River and Bessette Creek, the province has issued temporary fish protection orders for both systems. As a result, some users may have been ordered to shut off irrigation. Water users in these areas should contact provincial staff at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship for details.

There are currently no orders in place in the Okanagan watershed. For more information about the orders issued by the province, please go to the BC Drought Portal.

Local Watering Restrictions:

Remember, the most important thing you can do is follow your local watering restrictions. This simple action makes a big difference for your community and for the entire watershed.

Below, we've provided a list of links to help you find your local restrictions. If your community isn't listed below, you can find a full list of water providers in the Okanagan at MakeWaterWork.ca.

Location	Current watering restrictions	Learn more
Greater Vernon Area	Normal — Up to three days a week as per your address, no watering on Sundays, no sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.	Visit the Greater Vernon Water Restrictions page here.
Kelowna	Normal — Up to three days a week as per your address, no watering on Mondays, no sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.	Visit the City of Kelowna Water Restrictions page here.
Lake Country	Stage 1 — Up to three days a week, no sprinklers between 6 a.m. and midnight.	Visit the District of Lake Country's Water Conservation Page here.
West Kelowna	Stage 2 — Even numbered addresses water Saturday and Tuesday, odd numbered addresses water Sunday and Wednesday, only water between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.	Visit the City of West Kelowna's Watering Regulations and Conservation Page here.
Peachland	Stage 2 — Even numbered addresses water Saturday and Tuesday, odd numbered addresses water Sunday and Wednesday, no watering between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.	Visit the District of Peachland's Conserving Water Page here.
Summerland	Recommended Stage 2 — Two days a week determined by your address, no watering on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, no sprinklers between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.	Visit the District of Summerland's Water Restrictions page here.
Penticton	Stage 1 — Up to three days a week as per your address, no watering on Mondays, no sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.	Visit the City of Penticton's Water Restrictions page here.
Osoyoos	Stage 2— Two days a week determined by your zone location, no watering on Saturdays, no sprinklers between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.	Visit the City of Osoyoos Water Restrictions page here.
RDNO	Varied stages depending on the Water Utility, please visit the link to learn more.	Visit the RDNO's Water Restrictions page here.
RDCO	Stage 3 — Even numbered addresses water Saturdays only, odd numbered addresses water Sundays only, only water between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.	Visit the RDCO's Water Systems Page here.
RDOS	Varied stages depending on the Electoral Area, please visit the link to learn more.	Visit the RDOS' Water Restrictions page here.

Regional Drought Outlook - The Okanagan is at a LEVEL 3

To improve clarity and consistency in interpreting the meaning of drought levels, the B.C. government updated the definition of drought levels for 2025, while maintaining the same six-level rating scale. Read more about that here.

Visit the BC Drought Portal Here

There's Still Time to Take the Pledge:

Taking the Make Water Work Pledge is a great way to take action!

While Osoyoos has claimed Community Champion this year, Okanagan residents can continue to commit to a more water-efficient and fire-ready region AND be entered to win one of two 🌟$500 gift cards🌟 towards a WaterWise yard upgrade from one of our participating retail partners!

By adopting water-efficient and FireSmart™ practices, you're helping build a more resilient region while saving money, time, and effort.

Take the Pledge Today

2025 Drought Bulletin

Regional Drought Outlook - The Okanagan is at a LEVEL 3

There's Still Time to Take the Ple﻿dge:

There's Still Time to Take the Pledge: