Summary

• Much of B.C. is expected to experience elevated drought conditions this summer, which may increase water-scarcity risks
• People, businesses and large water users are urged to reduce water use to help protect watersheds and fish populations, and reduce the water-scarcity risk
• The Province is investing in drought resilience through watershed security, agricultural water infrastructure and updated drought-response planning

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Government is urging people in B.C. to conserve water over the coming weeks as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions that may increase water-scarcity risks.

“Protecting B.C.’s water resources is a shared responsibility, and the actions we take today will help communities, farmers and businesses manage increasing drought pressures,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “We are working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector to support water conservation and long-term water security. By working together and reducing water use where we can, we can help protect fish and wildlife, support farmers who depend on reliable water supplies and strengthen the resilience of our communities.”

People are encouraged to reduce water use wherever possible to help protect local watersheds and reduce the risk of water scarcity. Voluntary reductions in water use, along with favourable weather and rainfall, can play a critical role in maintaining stream flows and reducing pressure on watersheds and aquatic ecosystems.

Province preparing for worsening conditions

Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved stream-flow conditions in some parts of the province; however, warm and dry conditions are expected to continue.

Key regions being monitored include:

• the southern coast and southern Interior, where some watersheds remain under significant pressure and drought conditions persist, increasing water scarcity risk
• parts of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the southern Interior, where record-low stream flows are being recorded
• around the Okanagan and Vancouver Island where ecosystems and wildlife significantly rely on a steady, healthy supply of water
• watersheds where risks to aquatic ecosystems and fish populations are increasing, including the Koksilah River, Tsolum River, Salmon River and Bessette Creek

Temporary protection orders may be issued as a last resort if voluntary conservation measures are insufficient to restore stream flows and protect vulnerable fish populations, wildlife and watersheds. Decisions are based on scientific evidence and an assessment of how it impacts the local economy.

Working together

Government continues to take action to help communities prepare and respond to increasing water-scarcity risk and build long-term water security throughout British Columbia.

Key actions include:

• adopting a whole-of-government approach to managing drought and water scarcity, working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector
• updating B.C.’s Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan each year to strengthen monitoring, emphasize early action and support local decision-making
• supporting local governments and First Nations in their response planning, and investing in long-term water security through the $100-million Watershed Security Fund
• launching the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding, which provides funding to help communities prepare for disasters and climate emergencies, including drought
• investing $100 million since 2023 into the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program to support nearly 700 projects to build or improve water storage and supply systems in water-scarce and drought-prone areas
• providing $50 million toward new water meters for 19 small, rural and First Nation communities to save water and increase resilience during droughts
• piloting a new water-scarcity level system in several regions to raise awareness and encourage voluntary action to help reduce local water shortages

“Water is essential to B.C.’s agricultural sector so farmers can continue to grow crops, produce forage and care for livestock that help feed British Columbians,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “As drought conditions intensify, we are asking everyone to do their part to conserve water so we can help reduce stress on local watersheds and keep more water available to support our food security and wildlife. We will continue working with farmers to strengthen year-round water availability through investments in storage, infrastructure and community projects.”

Learn More:

• For water-saving tips and to learn more about how to prepare for drought and water scarcity, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/Drought
• For the BC Drought Information Portal and to sign up for the new Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin, visit: https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.