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Sept. 17, 2026: OBWB warns Okanagan water scarcity challenges will persist through winter and get worse in 2027

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is warning in its latest Drought Report that the region should anticipate another difficult water year in 2027. After four consecutive years of drought, the Board of Directors heard that many of the Okanagan’s key water indicators, including lake levels, streamflows, groundwater levels, and precipitation, remain at historically low levels heading into the fall.

Among the most concerning developments, Kalamalka Lake has dead pooled this summer, meaning water levels fell so low that water could no longer flow over the control structure into Vernon Creek. Okanagan Lake is also sitting at a historic low for this time of year, while many groundwater monitoring wells remain at or near record lows. Staff noted that while any fall and winter precipitation will help, a single wet season is not able to undo the significant water deficit that has accumulated over several years. Predictions for a ‘super El Nino’ mean significant snow is not anticipated.

The Board heard that preparation for 2027 should begin now, including continued water restrictions, drought preparedness discussions, water conservation measures, and identifying potential risks before next spring. As of Sept. 3, 2026, the Okanagan Water Scarcity Index, set by the Province, remained at ‘High’ across all five Okanagan sub-basins, signaling ongoing concerns about the ability to meet both human and ecosystem water needs.

Residents are encouraged to continue using water carefully and to follow the restrictions and conservation guidance of their local water supplier. Water restrictions should be viewed as a minimum, and residents who are able to reduce their water use further are encouraged to do so to help protect the region’s limited water supplies as the Okanagan heads into the fall and winter recharge season.

**2026 water levels in Okanagan, Kalamalka and Osoyoos lakes plotted against their historical ranges to show current lake elevations in seasonal context. Data source: Water Survey of Canada.**

Weekly net inflow to Okanagan Lake during 2026 compared with the historical weekly average, illustrating the timing and magnitude of water entering and leaving the lake system. Data source: WSC and ECCC

Remember: Your local water supplier knows best what’s needed to keep water flowing for homes, food, fish, and firefighting right where you are.

Okanagan Water Facts

There is less water available per person in the Okanagan than anywhere else in Canada.

The Okanagan has one of the highest rates of water use per person in Canada.

The second largest use of water in the Okanagan is used on our household lawns & gardens.

The Okanagan is on the front lines of climate change, shifting between flooding and drought, and extreme fire seasons.

As we work to find solutions to these climate events, Make Water Work is aimed at preparing Okanagan residents with resilient landscapes that can handle wet and dry years, and help ensure a sustainable water supply for our valley.

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