This year’s wet spring has alleviated concerns around water consumption for Kelowna farmers.
So much so that city council is being asked to remove restrictions placed on agricultural customers back in the spring.
At that time agricultural customers were limited to their annual allotment of 685mm due to concerns a dry spring would result in inadequate upland storage at McCulloch Reservoir.
Utility services manager Kevin Van Vliet says the wet spring combined with cooler growing conditions and challenging crop conditions have led to reduced demand.
“McCulloch Reservoir reached full pool on June 5,” says Van Vliet.
“Staff generally consider a full reservoir provides the needed irrigation water for the rest of the irrigation season regardless of how hot or dry the rest of the summer turns out.”
Van Vliet says water levels on Okanagan Lake have also rebounded due to proactive water management by the province.
The lake reached a peak of 342.28 metres above sea level, only 20 cm below full pool.
“While there are no drought declarations on the lake as of this date, the province remains concerned over its commitments on the Okanagan River downstream as precipitation levels remain below normal and the summer heat ramps up.”
While Van Vliet recommends lifting restrictions for agricultural users, he is recommending Stage 1 watering restrictions remain for residential users to avoid waste and preserve the water supply stability that has been re-established.
