Water usage restrictions are implemented to manage water demand and ensure there is sufficient water supply during summer months and more severe drought conditions. The City of Revelstoke has implemented a four-stage water usage restriction plan for outdoor water usage. The restrictions apply to all properties in Revelstoke that use City water - residential, commercial, industrial & institutional.
Stage 1 (Normal) restrictions are in effect year-round within the City of Revelstoke. Restrictions may be increased to Stages 2, 3 or 4 depending on environmental conditions, water supply system capacity and demand on the system. If this happens, residents will be notified by newspaper, radio, social media, City website and/or other means available.
Hand watering
Hand watering includes the application of water while holding a water device such as a hose, watering can or bucket. A person must be physically holding the watering device, and hoses must be equipped with a spring-loaded shut-off or similar self-closing device. Hand watering is permitted depending on the water activity, as per the water usage regulations above. Alerts will be sent out if needed.
Sprinkler / Soaker Hose
This includes oscillating and rotary sprinklers, and in-ground irrigation systems operating on automatic or manual systems. A soaker hose is a plastic hose with holes throughout its length and emits a spray outward, similar to a sprinkler.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation or trickle irrigation slowly drips water into the soil at the plant root zone, minimising evaporation and allowing more efficient water application.This includes weeping hoses that apply slow “weep” or drip water into the ground beneath them.
Newly Planted Sod or Seed
If you have planted new seed or put down new sod, please contact Public Works at 250-837-2001 for water exemption instructions.
Drought Information
The British Columbia Drought Information Portal is a single source to access drought levels across geographic regions in British Columbia. The maps provide information on current and historic drought levels, watershed conditions, and other information related to drought monitoring.
Provincial drought levels are separate from the City of Revelstoke's staged water regulations; however, they are a tool that may be used to inform whether implementation of further regulations is required within the City.
Shutting Off Your Water
The City of Revelstoke will locate and turn your water off at the property line should you have an issue that requires the water be turned off. Except in the case of an emergency, the City requires a 24-hour notice to shut off water to a location. Please refer to Schedule G in the consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw 2008 for the current charge for this service. To arrange to have your water shut off, please call (250) 837-2001.
Emergency Shut-Off
If it is an after-hours emergency call, the charge is double the rate of pay for a minimum of two hours.
Water Quality Analysis
City water is collected from various locations throughout the municipality and sent to an independent lab for testing for fecal coliform and E. coli. Test results are returned to the City for record keeping. The City also has a complete Water Quality Analysis done once a year on the Greeley creek water supply.
Check out how our community members reduced water consumption from August 4 to September 11, 2023.