Water Restrictions – 2026 Drought Update

September 22, 2026 – Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc downgrades
water restrictions to Drought Response Level 3.

Recent rain and cooler temperatures have helped ease provincial drought levels to Level 3 in the South Thompson River Basins.

TteS acknowledges and appreciates the efforts of all community members and businesses who played their part in helping to conserve our local water supply and protect the environment. Enhanced water use restrictions introduced in July 2026 effectively reduced IR#1 community-wide water use by 12%.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has downgraded its drought response to Level 3 of our Drought Response Plan, allowing normal water use to resume in alignment with the City of Kamloops.

1) No irrigation (sprinkling) permitted on any day between 11 am and 7 pm.

• Even addresses may sprinkle only on even-numbered days.

• Odd addresses may sprinkle only on odd-numbered days.

2) The preferred time for automated irrigation is 12 am to 7 am.

Winter 2026

Conditions in the Southern interior have improved modestly but remain drought-stressed across much of the region. Long-term concern remains high given forecasts for continued warm conditions and potential for another low snowpack winter. Officials are still urging people to conserve water wherever possible.

TteS will continue to monitor drought conditions over the winter and spring and continue to work closely with the Thompson Okanagan Region Drought Response Team.

Conditions in the Southern interior have improved modestly but remain drought-stressed across much of the region. Long-term concern remains high given forecasts for continued warm conditions and potential for another low snowpack winter. Officials are still urging people to conserve water wherever possible.

TteS will continue to monitor drought conditions over the winter and spring and continue to work closely with the Thompson Okanagan Region Drought Response Team.

As per TteS Bylaw 2025-03, Section 4.4.

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.

View the full Water Restrictions Update (PDF)

How Else You Can Help:

Efficient Lawn Watering

• Lawns require about 2.5 centimetres of water per week. This takes about a half hour of sprinkling, twice a week, on your designated sprinkling day.
• Remember that less watering promotes deeper, healthier lawn roots.
• Evaporation is greatest between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and can result in up to 50 per cent of water not reaching your lawn.
• Avoid watering on windy days.
• Keep grass between 5 and 7.5 centimetres in length. Taller grass shades and cools the soil, grows more slowly, and requires less mowing.
• Ensure roads, driveways, and sidewalks are not watered.

Reduce Water Use

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, washing dishes, or shaving.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• When washing dishes by hand, use a sink half full of rinse water rather than letting the water run.
• Keep a jug of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it becomes cold.
• Use a lid when boiling water to reduce evaporation.
• Water houseplants and gardens with cooled cooking water or vegetable and fruit rinse water.
• Limit showers to five minutes.

Retrofit Old Fixtures and Repair Leaks

Reduce water use in the bathroom by:

• Installing faucet aerators.
• Replacing old shower heads with low-flow models, which can save up to 10 litres of water per minute.
• Replacing older toilets with low-flow six-litre flush models to reduce overall water consumption.
• Repairing leaks as soon as they are found. Even small leaks waste water and increase costs.