2025 Drought Bulletin

Oct. 3, 2025 | Issue 8

Drought conditions remain despite cooler weather

While you may feel the fall chill in the air, and see rain in the forecast, the Okanagan's drought conditions are far from over.

September brought an unusual and intense heatwave to the Okanagan, with temperatures soaring to summer-like highs and multiple days over 30°C, a rarity for the month. This extreme heat, coupled with record-low precipitation, exacerbated the ongoing drought conditions across the valley. Streamflow levels remain low, and warm water temperatures are creating significant challenges for fish and aquatic ecosystems. While seasonal forecasts suggest a turn toward wetter conditions for the fall, this remains a challenging time for water resources in the region.

That's why it's crucial to continue practicing water conservation. With the Okanagan's drought level still at Level 3, our water is vital for farmers, firefighters, and fish.

Conditions outside the valley remain historically dry

Conditions remain challenging in neighbouring regions, with the Nicola and Similkameen Valleys both remaining at Drought Level 4. Many streamflow stations on the Similkameen continue to record their lowest values ever for this time of year.

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

Spawning salmon need your help!

From September through May, Okanagan rivers and creeks are home to newly laid salmon eggs and fry—tiny fish growing quietly between the gravel. Even one step can crush hundreds.

Please help protect these vulnerable fish by keeping dogs, kids, and feet out of creeks and spawning channels during this sensitive season.

Let’s give salmon the space they need to thrive. All the fish thank you!

To learn more about protecting salmon this season, check out this Facebook post from the Okanagan Nation Alliance.