Coldstream orchardists seek aquifer drilling to ease North Okanagan drought

An unprecedented drought has hit the North Okanagan, prompting Greater Vernon Water to impose Stage 3 restrictions that limit agricultural water use to just 30 % of the annual allocation. Orchardists David Geen and John Byland, who farm 480 acres of cherry orchards in Coldstream, have asked the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to allow drilling of three wells into the under‑used Coldstream aquifer. They argue the wells would provide a temporary water source for their orchards, reduce demand on the Duteau reservoir by about 10 % and keep the trees alive during the current and next dry season. The proposal, self‑funded and sought for a 24‑month period, would begin drilling on 13 July. "This is the 123rd fruit‑tree crop that we’re growing," said Geen, adding that the plan is a "temporary solution that removes 10 % of the demand on the over‑stretched Duteau source."

The Regional District of North Okanagan has activated an emergency operations centre to manage the water shortage, coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and hiring irrigation specialists. Staff are evaluating additional water sources such as the Antwerp Deep and Shallow wells, Goose Lake and Swan Lake transfers, and are working with municipal partners on conservation plans. The district also highlighted mental‑health resources for affected farmers, noting that "water shortages affect more than our landscapes and crops — they affect people."