British Columbia moves to Stage 2 water restrictions as drought worsens

The Regional District of North Okanagan and the town of Armstrong in British Columbia placed residents on Stage 2 water restrictions on June 4, 2026, after provincial drought ratings reached the highest level. Restrictions ban the use of sprinklers and limit outdoor watering to hand‑held containers during designated hours, while allowing limited hand‑watering of gardens, tree planting, vehicle washing and pool top‑ups.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Town of Ladysmith also shifted to Stage 2 restrictions on June 2 and June 1, respectively. Outdoor watering is limited to two hours per week during evening‑night hours, with address‑based scheduling to reduce evaporation. Hand‑watering, drip irrigation and limited watering of vegetable gardens are permitted, while washing driveways, sidewalks and commercial use of water remains prohibited. Both regions cite ongoing drought conditions and declining reservoir levels as the drivers for the stricter measures.