Low snowpack may impact farms

The City of Kelowna warns that the very low snowpack levels may result in some water restrictions for local agricultural properties.

The city said upland reservoirs that supply irrigation water to the approximately 500 agricultural producers in southeast Kelowna are at risk of not filling due to the winter weather conditions.

If there isn’t significant precipitation within the next two months, the city warned that water use towards allotments may need to be firmly capped at the prescribed volume of 2,772 cubic metres per acre, which translates to an irrigation water dept of 686 milimetres, with no overages allowed.

“The utility is actively managing the watershed to maximize storage and will provide another update in mid-May as to the water level status and direction on potential water restrictions,” the city said in a release.

“All irrigation users are encouraged to closely monitor water use to remain within their allotment throughout the season.”

The city reminded the public that, as of March 1 of this year, the annual water allotment fee had increased to $142.92 per acre, and $352.89 per hectare.

Kelowna’s annual spring irrigation turn-on process started April 8 and will be completed April 19, weather permitting, and the city said all services will be ready for use on May 1. Requests for early turn-ons and appointments will be considered for a fee, and those can be arrange by calling the Utility Yards office at 250-469-8600 or by submitting a service request online.

The city noted non-potable water quality can fluctuate depending on freshet conditions, and encouraged irrigation users monitor the Southeast Kelowna Irrigation Turbidity dashboard.

Area residents are also reminded that the free EyeOnWater app can be used to remotely monitor and manage water use.