Despite some welcome rainfall in May and June, our communities are now experiencing the on-the-ground and localized impacts of this multi-year drought.

Each community will experience these impacts differently, depending on their water systems. Each water utility differs in their water source (reservoirs, valley-bottom lakes, streams, etc.), their ability to store water, and to change sources as the season goes on.

During periods of scarcity, we ask residents to check directly with their local water utility for the most up-to-date information on conditions and watering restrictions.

Local Utilities moving to major early-season water restrictions

Dry conditions have already put some Okanagan utilities in the difficult position of having to implement major restrictions early in the season to preserve water availability for the rest of the season.

• These decisions are not made lightly and reflect the seriousness of the water scarcity concerns several water systems are experiencing right now.
• Given this, it is more impornant than ever before that we all work together and conserve what we can. Every drop matters.

Spring precipitation far below normal

• May and June saw several key precipitation events, however, despite this rain, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton remain well below normal, and the long-term precipitation deficits remain. This long-term precipitation deficit is important as by the end of May about 40% of precipitation typically arrives in the Okanagan.
• As of June 10, 2026, Vernon is only at 61% of expected precipitation, Kelowna is at 53%, and Penticton is at 31%.

Snowpack melted

• Snowpack, a major source of the valley’s water supply, was consistently low across the Okanagan this winter and has melted early.
• As of June 1, 2026, average snowpack was just 2% of normal.

Looking ahead

Water scarcity continues to prevail despite some minor relief in water systems over the past two weeks, as overall perciptation and steam flow levels remain well below what is typical for this time of year. Conditions are expected to worsen with temperatures forecast to rise above seasonal norms later in the week, which will increase evaporation and water demand. Additionally, anticipated rain showers are likely to miss our region, providing little to no meaningful replenishment. Because conditions remain dry and temperatures are rising, drought conditions will persist.

What this means for your water

Water conditions will vary between communities depending on their water source. Most communities have introduced watering restrictions. Given the ongoing multi-year drought and projected warm summer conditions, it is critical to look at watering restrictions and conditions information provided by your local provider. Please see the list below, or a full list is available at MakeWaterWork.ca

Figure 1: Illustrative percentage of rain received in Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon from Jan. 1, 2026 to June 10, 2026 vs. the missing amount of the 1991-2020 historical average expected by June 10 each year. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Summer streamflow risk remains high

• Streams across the valley have finished freshet phase and are beginning the lower flow summer phase. As of June 10, 2026, many creeks are already flowing well below normal for this time of year, following very low peak flows during the freshet.
• Stream temperatures are already warm, which may impact fish and could lead to water quality concerns. 

Hotter, drier outlook increases drought risk

• Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of El Niño conditions developing this summer. This increases the probability of warmer-than-normal conditions, although precipitation forecasts are less certain. Given the low snowpack, early freshet, and existing precipitation deficits, the region should prepare for continued drought risk even if periodic rainfall occurs.
• Seasonal forecasts can be used to provide a sense of likely future conditions, but they should not be taken as 100% certain.

What you need to know

• Conditions vary widely across the valley.
• Local water restrictions, not provincial drought levels, are what residents must follow.
• Okanagan Lake levels are actively managed as part of the Okanagan Lake Regulation System, so lake level alone is not the best indicator of drought severity. In many areas, drought will be seen first through low streamflows, stressed tributary reservoirs, declining groundwater levels, dry soils, warmer stream temperatures, and reduced water availability for ecosystems and water users.
• Collective action and individual water conservation remain essential to protect fish, agriculture, firefighting capacity, and community water supplies.

Local Conditions

Your local conditions are what matters most. Most communities have watering restrictions in place. Check out your community below to see what watering stage you are on, determined by your water service area's specific conditions.



If your community isn't listed below, you can find a full list of water providers in the Okanagan at MakeWaterWork.ca.