The City of Vernon has partnered with the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) to expand the use of reclaimed water to support on-site agricultural irrigation and respond to ongoing drought conditions.
In a statement, the City of Vernon said provincial approval had been granted to temporarily connect the city’s reclaimed water system to the RDNO’s non-potable irrigation system in the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake service area.
“This connection allows high-quality reclaimed water to be delivered directly to agricultural users using existing regional infrastructure,” the city said.
The temporary approval remains in place until the end of the year while a long-term solution is being investigated.
Mayor Victor Cumming said prompt support for the agricultural community during the drought had been a shared priority for all partners involved.
“I want to thank the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Ministry of Environment and Parks, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and the Ministry of Agriculture for their collaborative approach and commitment to finding solutions,” he said.
“This initiative demonstrates the value of working together to respond to local time-sensitive challenges and provide critical support to agricultural users who are facing very difficult conditions.”
Officials added the initiative was developed to respond to critical drought conditions and increased pressure on regional water supplies, helping address immediate irrigation needs.
The City of Vernon’s Water Reclamation Centre produces highly treated reclaimed water from wastewater that meets provincial standards for approved irrigation uses. The reclaimed water is not suitable for drinking but can be used for irrigation.
Bob Fleming, chair of the RDNO Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, said the ongoing drought continues to place significant pressure on agricultural operations across Greater Vernon.
“This temporary connection allows us to maximize existing infrastructure and provide an important source of irrigation water to agricultural customers during a critical time,” Fleming said. “We appreciate the collaboration of our municipal and provincial partners in helping deliver a practical solution that supports local food production and strengthens regional water resilience.”
The city said construction was completed this week and the system is now undergoing testing.
