Okanagan drought level increases

The Okanagan’s drought level has been increased from dry (level 1), to very dry (level 2), despite the recent cooler, wetter weather.

The Okanagan Basin Water Board says it’s due to lingering effects from a late drought last year along with an early freshet, and a warm, dry spring.

“The snowpack in the Okanagan region is completely melted and precipitation has been lower than average in some areas this spring,” an update from the OBWB stated.

The board is advising water purveyors to closely monitor supplies and customer demand, and consider ramping up communications in preparation for potentially worsening drought conditions this summer.

“Customers of water utilities should comply with all watering restrictions and advice from their supplier. Water licence holders on streams and wells who are not customers of local water utilities should adhere to conservation measures communicated by the Government of B.C.,” the board said.

The province’s drought bulletin shows numerous regions have moved up to drought level three (severely dry) on the five-level scale since the start of June, while the Peace Region is at level four — which means conditions are extremely dry.

(With files from The Canadian Press)