Reclaimed water connection expands irrigation supply for North Okanagan farms

Reclaimed water from Vernon’s Water Reclamation Centre will be delivered to agricultural properties through the Regional District of North Okanagan’s irrigation network. Photo courtesy of the City of Vernon.

Temporary link between Vernon and regional irrigation systems is intended to support agricultural producers during ongoing drought conditions

VERNON — A temporary connection between two North Okanagan water systems will provide reclaimed water to agricultural properties facing continued drought conditions.

The City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan have connected Vernon’s reclaimed water system to the regional district’s non-potable irrigation network serving the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake area.

The connection allows treated reclaimed water to be delivered directly to agricultural customers using existing regional infrastructure.

Provincial approval has been granted for the arrangement to remain in place until the end of 2026 while the city, regional district and provincial agencies investigate a longer-term solution.

Construction was completed during the final week of July, and the system is now being tested.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said supporting agricultural producers during the drought has been a shared priority among municipal, regional and provincial partners.

“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,” Cumming said.

The reclaimed water may be used only for approved irrigation purposes and will be supplied directly to agricultural properties. It will not be discharged into Goose Lake.

Vernon’s Water Reclamation Centre treats approximately 13 million litres of wastewater each day. The resulting reclaimed water is not suitable for drinking but meets provincial standards for approved uses such as irrigating farms, golf courses, parks and sports fields.

The city has used reclaimed water for irrigation for decades, with its spray-irrigation program dating back to the 1970s.

Connecting Vernon’s system to the regional district’s existing irrigation network is intended to increase the amount of water available to agricultural customers while reducing pressure on drinking-water supplies.

Bob Fleming, chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, said the drought is placing significant pressure on farms throughout the region.

“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.

The partnership also gives regional water managers more flexibility to respond to future droughts and other pressures on local water supplies.