With weather conditions expected to remain hot and dry in the coming week, water users on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are being urged to reduce water consumption.

The region is currently experiencing Level 3 drought conditions, which call for voluntary water use reductions of 20% or more from all municipal, agricultural and industrial users.

Staff with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are closely monitoring river levels and may upgrade the drought advisory if the weather continues to have a negative effect on stream flows.

Water users are encouraged to ensure that water intakes are screened to prevent fish from being pulled into water systems as water levels drop. Low water levels can impede the passage of salmon to spawning grounds, increase susceptibility to disease, or cause stranding or death due to low oxygen and high water temperatures.

In addition to the low stream flows, groundwater measurements taken at provincial observation wells on the West Coast indicate low water levels typical of the dry season, reflecting both seasonal variations and increased water usage due to the hot weather. Well owners are encouraged to conserve water by using less and relying on stored water.

Level 4 drought conditions, the highest rating, are determined by factors including regional stream flows, water storage capacity, ecological concerns, weather forecasts and impacts on water users.

Should conditions reach Level 4, provincial water managers may exercise their authority to temporarily suspend short-term water permits or water licences in affected watersheds.

Further reductions in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages and affect people, agriculture, industry and fish stocks. The Province will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the need arises.

Water conservation tips:

At home:

• Limit outdoor watering.
• Don’t water during the heat of the day or when it’s windy.
• Consider planting drought-tolerant vegetation.
• Take shorter showers.
• Don’t leave the tap running.
• Install water-efficient showerheads and toilets.

On the farm:

• Implement an irrigation scheduling program using real-time weather data.
• Schedule irrigation to match crop needs and soil storage capacity.
• Improve water system efficiencies and check for leaks.
• Focus on high value crops and livestock.

Industry:

• Reduce non-essential water usage.
• Recycle water used in industrial operations.
• Utilize water-efficient methods and equipment.

Learn More:

Stream flow and precipitation conditions in the province are provided on the River Forecast Centre’s website: www.env.gov.bc.ca/rfc/  and http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/bulletins/watersupply/

Living Water Smart: British Columbia’s Water Plan: www.livingwatersmart.ca 

Province of British Columbia Agriculture Drought Strategies: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/emergency/Drought/Drought.htm

Groundwater levels in provincial observation wells: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/data_searches/obswell/map/obsWells.html 

Environment Canada Water Conservation: http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/manage/effic/e_weff.htm

Media Contacts:

Greig Bethel
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261