Increased water restrictions come into effect today in Revelstoke as drought conditions persist across B.C.

Watering of lawns is now completely prohibited. That includes residential lawns and non-residential lawns. Watering of trees, shrubs, flowers and garden is permitted by hand, with soaker hoses and drip irrigation. Topping up or filling of pools is prohibited.

In a social media post the city said water use this summer is the highest it's been in three years. Officials say its water treatment plant is operating at capacity.

Half the water in the reservoir is reserved for fire protection. "In order to ensure adequate levels for drinking water and fire protection it is important that we all work collectively to reduce water use." The city said.

Greeley Creek is the city's main source of water. The Illecillewaet River at Greeley Creek is at drought level five, the highest level.

A seven-day streamflow chart from the B.C. government's Drought Information Portal shows the river is flowing at historically low levels.