Stage 2 outdoor watering regulations are now in effect

Date of Issue: Wednesday, July 16, 2025

The City of West Kelowna has implemented Stage 2 outdoor watering regulations, effective immediately and until further notice, for all utility customers due to provincial drought conditions and to help conserve our community’s water resources.

Watering schedule for Stage 2:

• Even-numbered addresses may only water Saturdays and Tuesdays; see additional Stage 2 regulations below for specific times.
• Odd-numbered addresses may only water Sunday and Wednesdays; see additional Stage 2 regulations below for specific times.
• Hand watering of landscape plants and vegetable gardens, but not lawns, is permitted, as needed, on any day.
• Never water between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Why this matters

As drought risks rise and supplies diminish, water needs to be prioritized for food/farming, fish and firefighting, and the Province of British Columbia urges people and businesses to conserve water. According to the Province, our region is forecasted to remain dry, with little to no rainfall, increasing drought severity and reducing stream flows. Learn more through the B.C. Drought Information Portal.

Residents are urged to reduce outdoor water use by 30 per cent immediately to help conserve water.

If drought conditions persist, and demand remains high, stricter measures may be required:

• Stage 3: Watering allowed only once per week; bans on filling pools, hot tubs, fountains, ponds, and washing vehicles, sidewalks, and driveways.
• Stage 4: All outdoor watering is prohibited to prioritize firefighting and essential indoor needs.

Additional Stage 2 regulations

• Automatic sprinkler systems are only permitted to operate between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on allowed days.
• Manual sprinkler systems (e.g., attached to taps) are only permitted to operate between 12:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. OR from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on allowed days.
• Sprinkling is prohibited between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions

• For full regulations and water conservation tips, visit westkelownacity.ca/wateringregulations.
• The Okanagan Basin Water Board’s Drought Bulletins cite several contributing factors to the current situation, including:
  • Hot and dry conditions
  • Limited snowpack
  • A warm, dry spring
• How often do I need to water a lawn? Most lawn experts recommend a deeper watering over just one or two days per week for a total of about three millimeters, which is about the depth of a tuna can, rather than frequent watering, which creates shallow roots and unhealthier grass.
• What about golf courses? No golf courses use the City of West Kelowna’s water systems.
• What about agricultural properties? Agricultural uses in West Kelowna are exempt from the City’s watering regulations.
• Where can I find the full regulations? Please refer to Water Regulations Bylaw 0274.