Penticton residents have reduced their water use in recent weeks, but not enough to meet the conservation target required under Stage 2 water restrictions.

Data collected in June shows water use was down approximately 13 per cent compared to average water consumption over the past three years. While residents have collectively saved millions of litres of water, the community remains short of the 20 per cent reduction target established to help protect local water supplies during ongoing drought conditions.

“Water is a shared resource, and we all have a role to play in using it responsibly. By using water wisely today, we help ensure reliable supplies for homes, agriculture, fisheries and the environment for years to come,” said David Best, Utilities Manager.

“The long-term health of our water supply depends on the amount of water remaining in our reservoirs and how quickly it can be replenished. Every litre we conserve today helps strengthen our community's water security for the years ahead.”

Regional update from the Okanagan Basin Water Board

• Okanagan Lake received only one-third of its typical spring recharge this year.
• As of July 1, Okanagan Lake was at the lowest level since 1992.
• Nearly half of B.C.’s groundwater monitoring wells are recording their lowest levels ever for this time of year.
• June precipitation was well below the 30-year average across the valley, continuing a long-term dry trend. All Okanagan communities have received less than half their normal precipitation to date, with Penticton among the driest.

Stage 2 restrictions remain in effect

Residents are reminded that outdoor watering is limited to two days per week:

• Odd-numbered street addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
• Even-numbered street addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
• Townhouses and condominiums: Follow the street address, not the unit number
• Mobile home parks: Follow unit numbers

Watering is permitted only during the following times on designated days:

• Automatic irrigation systems: Midnight to 6 a.m.
• Manual watering: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hand watering with a hose or watering can is permitted at any time.

Simple ways to save water

• Repair leaky faucets and irrigation systems.
• Use drought-tolerant landscaping where possible.
• Adjust irrigation timers to avoid overwatering.
• Water lawns only as needed, remembering that a healthy lawn requires only about 25 millimetres (one inch) of water per week.