2026 Drought Bulletin

Aug. 8, 2026 | Issue 5

Summer 2026 Setting New Record Lows: Water Conservation is Essential

As we reach the halfway point of the summer, the Okanagan's water situation remains extremely concerning. With plenty of hot and dry weeks ahead, communities must conserve water now.

The Okanagan continues to experience severe drought conditions, creating serious water scarcity challenges for many of our communities. Lake levels, streamflows, and groundwater levels are all hitting record lows.

Conserving water now will help stretch limited supplies through the remainder of the season and protect the water needed for families, food, fish, fighting fires, and fun.

Kalamalka and Okanagan Lake Levels at Record Lows

Figure 1: 2026 Water levels in Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes compared to the normal range.

Both lakes started the summer with much less water than usual.
The dark blue line shows the actual lake levels in 2026.
The grey line shows the historical average lake level for each time of year.
The grey-shaded area shows the range in which lake levels have typically fallen between 1991 and 2025.
Both lakes have fallen below the historical range shown on these graphs — levels are literally “off the charts” low.
With the highest-demand months still underway, lake levels remain severely low, reducing the water available to meet community, agricultural, and environmental needs.

Okanagan Groundwater Observation Wells Also Reporting Record Lows

Figure 2: Groundwater Levels Relative to Historical Conditions at B.C. Provincial Observation Wells.

Groundwater is an important part of the Okanagan’s water supply, providing water for homes, agriculture and other uses, while also helping sustain streams and ecosystems.
Each dot represents one groundwater monitoring well in the Okanagan.
The dots show how the current groundwater level compares with that well’s own historical record for this time of year.
The farther left the dot, the more unusually low the groundwater level is.
A dot at 0 means the well is at or near the lowest level recorded historically for this time of year.
Many wells are clustered at the far left of the graph, showing that groundwater remains exceptionally low across many parts of the Okanagan.
Groundwater and surface water are often connected. Pumping from some groundwater sources can directly influence flow in creeks and water levels in lakes.

Province Returns Okanagan to Drought Level 5 and Sets Water Scarcity Level at High

The Province has set the Okanagan to Drought Level 5, the highest level possible.

The new Water Scarcity Index has been set to High for all five regions of the Okanagan.

You can read more about the Province's Drought Levels and Water Scarcity Index here.

Please follow your water provider’s restrictions and conserve water wherever you can.

Water restrictions are put in place to help ensure communities have enough water to last through the season. If your water supplier has implemented restrictions, it is essential that you follow them. If you can reduce your water use beyond the required restrictions, please do so. Every drop counts!

Please see the following list for your local water restrictions, or a full list is available on our website below.

OBWB.ca/Drought

Location	Current watering restrictions	Learn more
Greater Vernon Area	Stage 3 — Reservoirs are VERY LOW and conditions are EXTREMELY DRY. Lawn Watering And Filling Of Private Pools Not Permitted.	Visit the Greater Vernon Water Restrictions page here.
City of Armstrong	Stage 2 — Up to two days a week as per your address, automated sprinklers only between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on permitted days.	Visit the City of Armstrong Water Conservation page here.
Kelowna	Stage 2 — Up to two days a week as per your address, with permitted time windows varied based on irrigation type.	Visit the City of Kelowna Water Restrictions page here.
Lake Country	Modified Stage 2 — Automated and manual irrigation permitted twice per week based on address, automated sprinklers only between midnight and 6 a.m. on permitted days.	Visit the District of Lake Country's Water Conservation Page here.
West Kelowna	Stage 3 — Outdoor watering is only permitted once per week as per your address, automated sprinklers only between midnight and 6 a.m. on permitted days, no watering between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.	Visit the City of West Kelowna's Watering Regulations and Conservation Page here.
Westbank First Nation	Stage 2 — Up to two days a week as per your address, automated sprinklers only between midnight and 6 a.m. on permitted days, no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.	Visit the Westbank First Nation Watering Regulations page here.
Peachland	Stage 3 — Even numbered addresses water Saturday, odd numbered addresses water Sunday, no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.	Visit the District of Peachland's Conserving Water Page here.
Summerland	Stage 1 — Up to three days a week as per your address.	Visit the District of Summerland's Water Restrictions page here.
Penticton	Stage 2 — Up to two days a week as per your address, automated sprinklers only between midnight and 6 a.m. on permitted days.	Visit the City of Penticton's Water Restrictions page here.
Oliver	Stage 3 — One day per week, even numbered addresses water Friday, odd numbered addresses water Wednesday. Residents with micro/drip irrigation can water one extra day, check link to learn more.	Visit the Town of Oliver Water Restrictions page here.
Osoyoos	Stage 3 — Restrictions depending on zone, please visit link to learn more.	Visit the Town of Osoyoos Water Restrictions page here.
RDNO	Varied stages — Restrictions depending on the Water Utility, please visit the link to learn more.	Visit the RDNO's Water Restrictions page here.
RDCO	Stage 2 — Up to two days a week as per your address.	Visit the RDCO's Water Restriction Notice Page here.
RDOS	Varied stages — Restrictions depending on the Water Utility, please visit the link to learn more.	Visit the RDOS' Water Restrictions page here.

Residents Can Show Their Commitment to Water Conservation by Taking the Pledge!

The competition is on to Take the Pledge, get a chance to win $1,000 in yard upgrades and snag Community Champion bragging rights.

Encourage residents, colleagues, friends, family and more to Take the Pledge in your community!

Take the Pledge