Forecasts calling for a dry summer has Greater Vernon Water (GVW) encouraging everyone to conserve the precious resource.
"May and June are pivotal months in determining what the water supply outlook is for the rest of the season," said Zee Marcolin, utilities general manager in a report to the Greater Vernon Advisories Committee.
Cooler temperatures and some rainfalls have kept demand low so far; however, rain has been below average for April and May.
All three upper Aberdeen Plateau reservoirs (Haddo, Grizzly and Aberdeen) are currently at full storage and were spilling as of May 30.
"Although the lakes are spilling, it’s still too early to predict whether higher-stage restrictions will be necessary," said Marcolin.
It largely depends on how much precipitation there is in June.
A hot June drives customer demands, when the spill of the reservoirs end and GVW begins using storage.
"June is a critical month, as it typically marks the peak of annual water storage and sets the tone for drought planning for the high-demand months that follow."
Kalamalka Lake levels were below the average and provincial targets; however, trends are showing some recovery due to recent precipitation
Precipitation has been significantly below normal since October last year, with only March showing above average levels.
"The federal forecast indicates a higher probability of below-normal precipitation from June to July in the Okanagan region, although their forecast skill is low," said Marcolin.
