Kelowna orchardists pull excess water in drought, wildfires

Despite being warned of dwindling water supply in March, many Kelowna area farmers did NOT to reduce their consumption by 20%. Some have increased their water draw as conditions worsen. Stage 2 restrictions were declared on residential users days ago.

McCulloch Reservoir reached 70% of capacity due to a record low snowpack and a dry spring. Irrigation usage tracked higher  than the annual average after the warning, not lower. It could mean 'full reservoir depletion' by fall, meaning nobody gets any water. Council was asked to give the authority to shut off irrigation water to users who have exceeded their reduced allotment. Such approval was given, but that likely doesn't extend to the Sandhers, again.

Among the top consumers of water in the Okanagan, feeding some 7,500 acres, the council protected Sandher Crime Family draws as it pleases, resulting in households needing to conserve water, or else. Theft of water is the perfect example of how in Kelowna there are rules for some, and far different rules for others.

Sanctions against Sandhers for improper water draw never occur. They diverted Dave's Creek on Black Mountain and were nailed for an illegal diversion in Lumby with a violation notice issued Dec 19, 2025, the 2nd after one was issued in August 2025.