2026 Drought Response
Agricultural, Cemetery, Park, Playfield, Golf Course and Greenhouse Water Users
September 10, 2026 Update
This week the District Water Utility completed a review of reservoir storage and water use for the remainder of the 2026 irrigation season.
Current projections indicate that the reservoir system is expected to finish the irrigation season near the District's lower limit for refill. This is lower than normal and while the situation is not ideal, your conservation efforts and reduced fish flow requirements have helped preserve water within the reservoir system.
There are currently no changes to irrigation water allocations or water restrictions.
The District remains at Drought Level 3 (Very Dry Conditions) and the existing compulsory 20% allocation reductions remain in effect:
Agricultural, Cemetery, Park, Playfield and Golf Course Water: 640 mm
Greenhouse Water: 1,381 mm
Most irrigation users have reduced their water consumption this season, and the District thanks irrigators for their continued efforts. The decisions and path that Summerland has taken during this Drought are working. Water users are encouraged to continue monitoring their consumption carefully through the remainder of the irrigation season and to remain within their reduced allocation.
Beginning September 1, required environmental flows into Trout Creek increased for the spawning period. This will increase the rate of water released from the reservoir system during the remainder of the irrigation season. Staff have taken this into account in their projections. This streamflow increase is a requirement of our storage licenses.
District staff will continue monitoring reservoir levels, water consumption and watershed conditions. Following irrigation shutoff, the week of October 13th, final reservoir storage and irrigation consumption will be reviewed as part of planning for the 2027 irrigation season.
Please continue to conserve water and monitor your irrigation consumption carefully. The reduced 2026 water allocations remain in effect for the remainder of the irrigation season.
Community participation to help promote responsible water use is important. Residents who observe what they believe to be irresponsible water use are encouraged to submit a report through the bylaw complaint form.
Thirsk Reservoir videos taken Wednesday, September 9, 2026:
Garnet Valley Agricultural Customers - High Irrigation Demand
August, 5, 2026 Update
The Garnet Valley irrigation system is experiencing unusually high water demand. Some users are drawing water at rates that exceed the maximum flow permitted under the District's Water Utilities and Water Rates Bylaw No.2014-019. This is causing low water pressure and resulting in loss of service for other irrigation customers.
Please reduce your irrigation flow to the maximum permitted flow of 27 L/min per 0.405 arable hectare (6 imperial gallons per minute per arable acre). Reduce the number of sprinklers or irrigation zones operating at the same time and check for leaks. Your cooperation will help maintain reliable irrigation service for all users.
As per Council resolution May 13, 2026, the District of Summerland remains at Drought Level 3 - Very Dry 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
Visit our Water Restrictions webpage to learn which restrictions apply.
Agricultural Water Use
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 & Media Releases
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: water@summerland.ca
After hours emergency: 250-493-0005