Effective August 12, 2026
STAGE 3 Domestic and STAGE 1 Irrigation System Water Restrictions are in effect.
The Town of Oliver is requesting that residents immediately reduce their water consumption to ensure that further water restrictions are not necessary, and to ensure that critical infrastructure is protected.
Due to province wide drought conditions and low well levels being experienced for both in Town and the Rural wells, Stage 3 Water Restrictions have been put in place for domestic water. Daily Streamflow for the Okanagan River below McIntyre Dam has been at its lowest level on record since before May, the Tuc-el-nuit Observation Well has been at its lowest level on record since the beginning of May, and Okanagan Lake is now at its lowest level on record since 1943.
The Miller Well in rural Oliver has been shut down to prevent damage to the pump. Two wells within the Town are also approaching critically low water levels and may need to be shut down if levels continue to decline.
The Town is currently operating at peak water demand, with wells running at capacity, prompting the move to Stage 3 Domestic and Stage 1 Irrigation System Water Restrictions to conserve water.
In an effort to reduce water consumption for all Town of Oliver water customers, the Stage 3 restrictions for all Town of Oliver domestic water customers will continue, and additional Stage 1 restrictions are being imposed for irrigation customers.
Stage 3 restrictions for domestic water were implemented at the July 20, 2026 Regular Open Council meeting, and despite the current restrictions, water consumption increased 35% compared to July 2025.
Drought conditions and Water Scarcity reported by the province show our region is in Drought Level 4 and a High Water Scarcity Level. The Ministry of Water Lands and Resource Stewardship has made a request that all water users voluntarily reduce both surface and groundwater use. It has been noted that if voluntary efforts are not enough, regulatory action may be required.
Current Water Restrictions are outlined below:
NEW - Irrigation Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Effective immediately, the Town of Oliver is requesting that all irrigation system customers utilizing canal water voluntarily reduce their water usage by a minimum of 10%. Please help by doing your part.
Continued Stage 3 Domestic Water Restrictions
The Town of Oliver is continuing to request compliance to reduce domestic water usage by 50% in the hopes that no further water restrictions will be required.
All Town of Oliver domestic water customers remain in Stage 3 water restrictions. Properties that have water flowing through a water meter or are using domestic groundwater for irrigating must restrict their irrigating as follows:
Watering Restrictions – One Day Per Week:
Odd numbered houses – Wednesday
Even numbered houses – Friday
Residents with micro/drip irrigation are permitted one extra day of watering per week between 7:00 pm and 9:00 am as follows:
Watering Restrictions – Additional Day for Micro/Drip:
Odd numbered houses – Saturday
Even numbered houses – Tuesday
Residents have been asked to ensure their residential underground irrigation systems have been adjusted to water lawns, trees and shrubs between 7:00pm and 9:00am on their watering day.
Extra hand watering is permitted for personal gardens, trees and shrubs between 7:00pm and 9:00am.
Public Works Crews and Bylaw Enforcement are visiting properties who may be in violation of the water restrictions. Non-compliant properties can be fined $250 through Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 1410, with a $125.58 fee applied if water service has been turned off.
The Town of Oliver is continuing to take these restrictions seriously: a 50% Reduction in water usage will be adhered to at Rotary Beach Park, Bridge Park, Centennial Park, Triangle Park, Town Hall, and the Town Entrance Sign Parks; Effluent water is utilized at Fairview Park, Gala Linear Park, Oliver Cemetery, Oliver Airport, Southern Okanagan Secondary School, Oliver Elementary School, and Fairview Mountain Golf Course and as such these locations are not subject to water restrictions as the effluent water needs to be discharged; Canal water is utilized at Community Park, Kinsmen Park, and Kiwanis Park and usage will be reduced by 20%. Lion’s Park is irrigated from a separate well and water usage has been reduced by 20%. Kinsmen Spray Park continues to be available from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
The Town of Oliver would like to thank you for your cooperation in reducing your water consumption.
For more information on restrictions, watering tips, and drought information visit the following websites:
Town of Oliver - https://www.oliver.ca/water-restrictions
Okanagan Basin Water Board - www.obwb.ca and www.makewaterwork.ca
Additional resources for farmers and food producers can be found at: www.gov.bc.ca/AgDrought
Stage 1 – Irrigation Restrictions – minimum 10% voluntary reduction
Stage 3 – Domestic Water Restrictions – 50% reduction
Click here to download a printable pdf version of the Water Restrictions Guide.
