Okanagan Basin Water Board Triggers Maximum Level 5 Drought Rating Ahead of Summer
The Okanagan Basin Water Board said average snowpack was just 16% of normal, and several municipalities have already imposed watering limits.
- On Thursday, May 28, the B.C. government assigned the Okanagan its highest possible drought rating, making it the only region in the province to receive this level following a dry season that triggered immediate water Restrictions.
- The Okanagan Basin Water Board attributes the drought to years of below-normal precipitation and a 'consistently low' snowpack that reached just 16 per cent of normal as of May 15.
- Currently, Kelowna is at 47 per cent of expected precipitation, Vernon is at 56 per cent, and Penticton is short of the mark at just 21 per cent across the region.
- Municipalities have implemented Varied water Restrictions; in areas under Stage 3, even-numbered addresses water Saturday and odd-numbered addresses water Sunday, with no watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Given the projected warm summer, the Regional District of Central Okanagan must balance ecosystem and firefighting needs carefully, as officials warn that only a significant and sustained period of rain will improve conditions.
5 Articles
5 Articles
Water board boss goes over the challenges
Clean, safe water remains the key to enjoying a healthy and successful life for residents throughout the valley. That message from Melissa Tesche, the executive director of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, who shared a presentation with Summerland Council Tuesday…
Penticton Western News
Okanagan hit with highest possible drought level
Those warning of a dry summer have had their fears confirmed, with the Okanagan reaching its highest level of drought, according to the province. On Thursday, May 28, the B.C. government recorded the first drought levels of the dry season. The Okanagan was given the highest possible rating on the province’s six-point drought scale — Drought Level 5. It is the only region in B.C. to receive a rating this high. The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB…
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