2024 Water Restrictions – Drought Update
April 30, 2024 – Drought conditions continue to persist across the province. The province communicated earlier this year about the potential for drought. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is acting now to assist community members, businesses, and farmers to prepare for drought so we can respond quickly, recover faster and be ready for expected drier conditions.
TteS is again asking community members and businesses to play their part in helping to conserve our local water supply and protect the environment.
Effective May 1st, 2024, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc water use restrictions are now year-round and no longer seasonal. For the default water restriction during normal conditions and during early drought levels, watering is permitted on alternating days based on your address. Including:
- No irrigation (sprinkling) permitted on any day between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.
- Even numbered addresses may irrigate only on even numbered days, before 11am and after 7pm
- Odd numbered addresses may irrigate only on odd numbered days, before 11am and after 7pm
- The required time for automated irrigation is 12am to 7am on the appropriate day (see above)
Snowpack Spring 2024
The April snow survey from the BC River Forecast Centre shows the lowest snowpack on record in BC, averaging 63% of normal across the province, which may mean an increased risk for drought this spring and summer.
The low snowpack, lingering impacts from on-going drought from previous years, and the seasonal forecast are all cause for province-wide concern about drought.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc will continue to monitor drought conditions over the summer and continue to work closely with the Thompson Okanagan Region Drought Response Team.
Secwepemc Fisheries Commission Update
The Secwepemc Fisheries Commission is also urging water conservation measures again in 2024. As a proactive measure to assist in mitigating potential salmon and other fish mortality due to the reduced streamflow and increased temperature within rivers and streams.
TteS Bylaws and water restrictions are implemented by TteS, not the provincial government. All British Columbians are responsible for the sustainability of water and aquatic ecosystems. All water users in drought-affected areas are asked to cooperate and contribute to the goal of conservation.