North Okanagan farmers face 70% water cut amid historic drought

The Regional District of North Okanagan has declared a historic drought, prompting the implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions. Greater Vernon Water and the district reduced water allocations for agricultural users to 30 % of their remaining yearly supply, a 70 % cut. At meetings on June 23, utility manager Zee Marcolin warned, “We rely on both lower melt and upper melt. We got 30 % of what we normally get,” noting the drought is the worst in 100 years of records.

Farmers expressed concern over the impact on livestock, orchards and livelihoods, citing lost investments such as $100,000 worth of newly planted trees. The district is offering a brief grace period until June 14 and will enforce penalties for non‑compliance. The crisis underscores severe water scarcity across the Okanagan Valley, with regional leaders urging coordinated action.

The drought follows a province‑wide Level 5 water‑alert, with June water inflow to Okanagan Lake at less than half normal, and groundwater levels at historic lows. Six First Nations and numerous local governments have formed a collaborative leadership table to address water management across the watershed.