2026 Drought Response
As per Council resolutions on April 1, 2026, the District of Summerland is moving to Drought Level 3, effective immediately. However, there is a possibility of returning to Level 4 later in the year, depending on spring precipitation and summer temperatures.
The District had been operating under Drought Level 4 restrictions since November. At a special Committee-of-the-Whole meeting today, Council voted to reduce the level to Drought Level 3 based on the latest data on snowpack and reservoir conditions.
Drought Level 3 Requirements
In accordance with the Summerland Drought Response Plan, Drought Level 3 requires a minimum mandatory 20% reduction in water allocations, including:
- Agriculture: reduced from 800 mm to 640 mm
- Greenhouses: reduced from 1727 mm to 1381 mm
- Reductions also apply to cemeteries, parks, playfields, and golf courses
Irrigators should anticipate the possibility of reaching Drought Level 4 in the 2026 irrigation season, which would require further reductions. Users are strongly encouraged to closely monitor water consumption, as penalties for overuse are based on total seasonal consumption, including any mid-season adjustments.
Residential Water Use
Residential water use begins the season at Stage 1, meaning:
- Watering is limited to three days per week
- Watering days are assigned based on odd or even street addresses
Residential restrictions will be reassessed following the conclusion of the spring freshet.
Visit our Water Restrictions webpage to learn which restrictions apply.
Agricultural Water Use
As a result, water allocations have been reduced by 20% as follows:
- Agricultural, cemetery, parks, playfields, and golf courses: 800 mm → 640 mm
- Greenhouses: 1,727 mm → 1,382 mm
Water users are encouraged to review their anticipated needs and plan accordingly for the upcoming season, as the District works to protect long-term water supply and maintain environmental flows.
Visit our Agricultural Water webpage to learn which restrictions apply.
Water System and Reservoirs
The District operates 11 upland reservoirs west of Summerland to store water for community needs, including drinking water, agricultural use, and residential supply.
While significant investments have been made in recent years to maintain and improve dam infrastructure, reservoir levels are heavily influenced by precipitation, environmental conditions, and downstream consumption.
District staff work closely with the provincial government to ensure compliance with dam safety regulations and to maintain required environmental flows into Trout Creek to support fish survival and spawning.
Future Considerations
If community conservation efforts are insufficient, the Province may impose mandatory water-use restrictions.
Council Meetings
Community of the Whole - April 1, 2026
Council Meeting - November, 12, 2025 - Section 18.2
Drought FAQ
Q: Why are water restrictions and reduced allocations necessary in Summerland?
A: Water restrictions help protect limited water supplies during periods of water scarcity and to ensure enough water for drinking, agriculture, fire protection and aquatic ecosystems.
Q: What is the difference between Provincial Drought Levels and the District’s Local Drought Stages?
A: Provincial drought levels reflect broad regional conditions, while local stages are based on Summerland’s specific water supply and system capacity.
Q: Where can I find the District’s Drought Response Plan?
A: Summerland Drought Response Plan
Q: What is the difference between agricultural and residential water restrictions?
A: Agricultural users follow allocation limits tied to irrigation needs, while residential restrictions focus on reducing non-essential outdoor water use. For residential, see Section 9.3 of the Water Utilities Bylaw. For Agricultural, Cemetery, Park, Playfield, Golf Course, and Greenhouse water see Schedule A.
Q: Are there any exceptions to water restrictions? (e.g., newly seeded lawns, sod installation, vegetable gardens, or hand-watering)
A: See sections 9.4 and 9.5 of the Water Utilities Bylaw.
Q: What are “Water Use Stages”? Are they the same thing as “Drought Levels”?
A: No —they’re different. Water Use Stages (Stages 1–4) are in the Water Utilities Bylaw and mostly apply to residential outdoor watering (days and times you can water lawns, gardens, etc.). Drought Levels deal with overall water supply and allocations.
Q: How will residents be notified if the drought stage changes?
A: The main method of communication is through Voyent Alert! Please follow the steps at this weblink to signup (https://voyent-alert.com/community/#registration).
Q: How are water restrictions enforced?
A: The District enforces restrictions through monitoring, but also through complaints, with fines for noncompliance.
Q: How can I report water waste or a possible violation?
A: Through the District Online Complaint Form.
To contact the Utilities Department:
Phone: 250-494-0431
Fax: 250-494-3399
Email: works@summerland.ca
After hours emergency: 250-493-0005