B.C.’s Dam Safety Program moved forward under new legislation that strengthens the ability of dam safety staff to inspect, audit and remediate more than 1,800 regulated dams in the province, according to the 2015-16 B.C. Dam Safety Program Annual Report.

The Province will allow the freshwater fishing season in rivers and streams on southern Vancouver Island to go ahead, starting Sept. 16.

Despite normal flows for many streams and Level 1 drought conditions elsewhere within the Nicola region, low flows in the Coldwater River system are nearing Level 4, or “extremely dry,” drought conditions.

As a result of prolonged dry conditions along the coast, the Province is urging water users in the Skeena and Nass regions to voluntary reduce water use by 30%.

Because of dropping stream and groundwater levels, the Province is urging everyone on Haida Gwaii to voluntarily reduce water use by 30%.

In response to low rainfall and record high temperatures across southern and eastern Vancouver Island, the Province is putting residents on the highest drought alert and closing most streams and rivers to angling.

Most streams and rivers on Vancouver Island are currently experiencing very low flows similar to this time last year.

Temporary water use restrictions on the Coldwater River and its tributaries have been rescinded effective noon, Sept. 18, 2015.

Temporary water use restrictions on the Coldwater River and its tributaries have been reinstated effective noon, Sept. 2, 2015, through an order issued by Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.

Responding to continuing dry conditions, the Government of B.C. has announced a Level 4 drought rating for the North Thompson Region due to ongoing low stream flows.