Farmers in Vernon are adapting to water restrictions put in place by the Regional District of the North Okanagan and the Greater Vernon Water Utility due to critically low reservoir and lake levels. These Stage 3 restrictions include a 70% mandatory water reduction for all farmers, a measure that has raised concerns among agricultural producers like Adrian Arts, who serves as the executive director of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association.
Arts highlighted the potential devastating impact of such significant water cuts on trees, warning that it could lead to long-term damage or death in orchards. The B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association is urging government support to assist farmers amid ongoing challenges, citing consecutive difficult years, including events like a heat dome and deep freeze.
Following the restrictions’ enforcement in early June, discussions were held between the regional district, Greater Vernon Water, and major water users, particularly farmers in the area. David Sewell from the Regional District of North Okanagan mentioned that farmers have the option to redistribute their water quota by collaborating with others.
Amanda Summerfelt, the water efficiency coordinator at Greater Vernon Water, noted the overall cooperation within the community regarding the restrictions, which include bans on non-essential activities like lawn watering and pool filling. While there is a 50% reduction target for water usage, certain exemptions are in place to maintain specific sports fields’ functionality.
Some entities in the region, such as golf courses, utilize reclaimed water from wastewater treatment plants, which remains unrestricted. Since the implementation of the restrictions, there has been a significant 48% decrease in water consumption in the Greater Vernon area. Additionally, residents in the Lavington area have temporarily transitioned to an alternative water source to prioritize surface water for agricultural needs.