Staff have developed a water usage regulations table to provide clear guidance on what water usage is or is not permitted under various Stages of restrictions. The table aims to provide guidelines on four different possible stages of water restrictions. What Stage the City is in will be determined by the Director of Engineering, based on environmental conditions, guidance from the province, water  supply system capacity and demand on the system. 

Stage 2 restrictions were implemented in Revelstoke for the first time in 2023. In anticipation of expected drought conditions across British Columbia, and recognizing the importance of water security and responsible water consumption, Council directed City staff to update the current restriction guidelines. The aim is to be more in line with current requirements, recognizing the that restrictions may become more frequent.

This work has been undertaken internally by City of Revelstoke staff, after consultation with surrounding municipalities that have already implement staged water restrictions and monitored its outcomes. This is one of a number of projects that have been worked work on over the late winter – early spring. 

Currently, Revelstoke is under Stage 1 water restrictions all year round. Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered days, even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered days. Under the new proposed Stage 1 restrictions the odd / even approach will be changed slightly to be more even:

Stage 1 restrictions will remain applicable all year round, with watering only allowed between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on your designated day. 

If the City needs to escalate to Stage 2, 3 or 4, residents will know ahead of time what this means and may refer to the table to identify what is allowed in each Stage. Stages will be announced publicly via the City’s website, social media channels and City Views newsletter. 

As before, Stage 1 will be enforced all year round. Any other Stage will be enforced as required and will remain in place until either restrictions are rescinded to a lower Stage or escalated to a higher Stage.

Yes. The amount of rain this may reduce the need for more heightened restrictions however, the community will be advised of any changes in the restriction Stages via the City’s website, social media channels and City Views newsletter. 

Please refer to the City’s website, social media channels and City Views newsletter

Compliance with water regulations is already enforced by Revelstoke Bylaw Officers. We expect there might be an increased Bylaw compliance response as residents adapt to the new restrictions; however, we’re aiming to minimize this through robust communications. By having the water usage restriction table in place at the beginning of the season, residents can be aware of the possible changes before they are implemented. No additional resources will be dedicated to Bylaw compliance to assist with changes in water restrictions, resulting in no impact to the 2024-2028 Long Term Financial Plan.

The restrictions in place under any given Stage are enforceable under the Water Regulations Bylaw No. 1643. Non-compliance could result in a fine(s), as stipulated in the Bylaw Offence Notice Bylaw No. 2370 (Adjudication Bylaw). 

You can submit a complaint through the City's SeeClickFix system or through the Bylaw Enforcement Complaint Form (webform).

The Big Eddy and the remainder of the City of Revelstoke are supplied by separate water sources; however, it’s important that our Operations staff can manage water demands on both systems. Water conservation is an important part of ensuring that there is always sufficient water supply available in the system to meet potable and firefighting demands for the City.

The City’s water distribution network utilizes reservoirs to provide water storage in different locations across the City. Morning watering allows our Operations staff to refill the City reservoirs overnight, when usage demand is at its lowest. 

To provide feedback about the proposed regulations please email engineering@revelstoke.ca.

For questions regarding the new Stages or specific details outlined in the restrictions please contact Engineering at engineering@revelstoke.ca. For questions regarding newly planted seed or sod, please contact Public Works at 250-837-2001 or works@revelstoke.ca.