The City of Penticton is urging residents to significantly reduce outdoor water use as the community continues to fall short of the conservation target required under Stage 2 water restrictions.

Residents have not yet achieved the 20 per cent reduction needed under Stage 2 restrictions. If water demand remains high and drought conditions continue, the City may need to move to Stage 3 water restrictions to protect our water supplies.

“The reality is that we are not meeting our Stage 2 conservation target and the need to conserve water has never been greater,” said David Best, Utilities Manager.

“As of July 30, the Province has rated the Okanagan at Drought Level 5, the most severe drought classification, reflecting the significant water supply challenges facing our region. At the same time, Okanagan Lake levels are at historically low levels, with recent reports indicating lake levels are the lowest recorded in more than 30 years of monitoring. It’s time for all of us to take a serious look at how we’re using water outdoors and make protecting our water supply a priority.”

The City is increasing its monitoring and enforcement of current watering restrictions. While education remains the priority under Stage 2 restrictions, violations of watering restrictions may be subject to fines under the City's Irrigation, Sewer and Water Bylaw.

The City is asking residents to immediately reduce lawn watering and only water when necessary – consider allowing your lawn to go dormant, shorten irrigation run times, ensure your watering schedules are following designated days and times, repair leaky irrigation heads, hoses and outdoor faucets, avoid washing driveways, sidewalks and patios, avoid filling, draining or refilling pools and hot tubs unless necessary, use a broom instead of water to clean hard surfaces, water trees, shrubs and gardens efficiently using handheld methods where possible.

What happens if Penticton moves to Stage 3?

Stage 3 restrictions require a 50 per cent reduction in water use and significantly tighter outdoor watering restrictions. Under Stage 3:

• Watering would be limited to one day per week.
• Recreational water use – such as pools, hot tubs and ponds – would face restrictions.
• Irrigation for parks and agricultural users would also be reduced by 50 per cent.
• Enforcement and fines would increase.

Why are City parks still being watered?

Many of Penticton's green spaces are irrigated using reclaimed water, rather than treated drinking water. This reclaimed water from the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant undergoes extensive treatment and testing before being reused. It is used to irrigate most of the City’s parks, sports fields, school grounds and the Penticton Golf and Country Club.

Know your watering schedule

Residents are reminded that outdoor watering is limited to two days per week during Stage 2 watering restrictions.

• 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 (sprinklers): 6-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m.

To learn more about current restrictions and watering schedules, visit penticton.ca/water.