Summary

• A temporary protection order has been issued for the Salmon River watershed in the Thompson Okanagan region to temporarily restrict water use and help protect Chinook salmon
• Despite significant voluntary conservation efforts on the ground, Salmon River has persistent low streamflow due to ongoing severe drought
• Programs offer farmers support for crop failure because of drought

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As severe drought conditions continue to affect river levels in the Thompson Okanagan region, a fish population protection order will help protect endangered Chinook salmon in Salmon River by temporarily restricting water use for forage crops and identified industrial purposes.

Government, local communities, farmers and partners have been working together to support water conservation and voluntary irrigation schedules. Despite significant efforts, Salmon River has had persistent low streamflow that are threatening the survival of spawning chinook populations.

During the past week, flows have been well below the minimum flow threshold required to support fish population survival and continue to pose a significant risk to fish survival.

Effective Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 456 surface-water and groundwater licences and transitioning groundwater users in the Salmon River watershed are affected by the order to stop using water for irrigation of forage crops as well as lawns, fairways and garden industrial purposes. Forage crops include grass for hay, alfalfa and forage corn, and are some of the most water-intensive agricultural crops.

Affected water users will be contacted directly with a copy of the signed order. Affected licence numbers and application numbers for transitioning groundwater users are identified in the orders.

The order is made under the Water Sustainability Act to protect the survival of fish populations. Provincial staff are monitoring the situation and working to balance water uses with environmental flow needs. An order may be repealed if streamflow recovery is sufficient to protect the survival of fish populations.

Supports for farmers

Programs are in place to offer support for crop failure owing to drought as well as income declines and increased costs. Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff are available to help producers with their questions or claims.

Since 2023, the Province has invested $120 million into the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program. The program is supporting more than 700 producer projects that will result in new or improved water storage and supply systems for irrigation and livestock in water-scarce and drought-prone areas.

Any farmers or ranchers directly affected by the current drought are encouraged to contact the AgriService BC line at 1-888-221-7141.

Temporary protection orders

Each summer, the Province encourages voluntary water conservation measures through on-the-ground engagement, multiple mailouts and social media. During times of water scarcity, the B.C. government can issue temporary protection orders under the Water Sustainability Act to protect fish populations and the aquatic ecosystem. Temporary protection orders are issued as a last resort, recognizing the effect on farmers and ranchers.

In recent years, the Province has worked with farmers, ranchers and business organizations in the Salmon River area to find long-term, proactive solutions to improve water security in drought-prone watersheds.

Since 2019, the Province has jointly funded 170 projects in B.C. through the $285.5-million B.C. Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund to support priority fish populations in drought-sensitive watersheds, such as Salmon River, by monitoring the number of fish returning to spawn, restoring fish habitats and improving fish passage where barriers are encountered.

Learn More:

• To view the Ministerial Order, visit:
  https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Salmon_River_Temp_Protection_Order.pdf
• To learn more about insurance and income-protection programs for B.C. farmers: 
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agriculture-insurance-and-income-protection-programs
• To learn more about the ministerial orders for water restrictions, visit: 
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/drought-information/wsa-tpo
• To learn more about the drought data and information (maps, tables), visit: 
  https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/  
• To see the Seven-Day Streamflow for Salmon River, visit:
  https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/lowflow/drought_interactive/08LE021.html
• To learn more about drought and agriculture: 
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/drought-in-agriculture