\u00a0<\/p>\n
Summary<\/p>\n
\tMuch of B.C. is expected to experience elevated drought conditions this summer, which may increase water-scarcity risks
\n\tPeople, businesses and large water users are urged to reduce water use to help protect watersheds and fish populations, and reduce the water-scarcity risk
\n\tThe Province is investing in drought resilience through watershed security, agricultural water infrastructure and updated drought-response planning<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Government is urging people in B.C. to conserve water over the coming weeks\u00a0as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions that may increase water-scarcity risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cProtecting B.C.\u2019s water resources is a shared responsibility, and the actions we take today will help communities, farmers and businesses manage increasing drought pressures,\u201d said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Province preparing for worsening conditions<\/p>\n
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved stream-flow conditions in some parts of the province;\u00a0however, warm and dry conditions are expected to continue.<\/p>\n
Key regions being monitored include:<\/p>\n
\tthe southern coast and southern Interior, where some watersheds remain under significant pressure and drought conditions persist, increasing water scarcity risk
\n\tparts of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the southern Interior, where record-low\u00a0stream flows are being recorded
\n\taround the Okanagan and Vancouver Island\u00a0where ecosystems and wildlife significantly rely on a steady, healthy supply of water
\n\twatersheds where risks to aquatic ecosystems and fish populations are increasing, including the Koksilah River, Tsolum River, Salmon River and Bessette Creek<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Working together<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Key actions include:<\/p>\n
\tadopting a whole-of-government approach to managing drought and water scarcity, working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector
\n\tupdating B.C.\u2019s Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan each year to strengthen monitoring, emphasize early action and support local decision-making
\n\tsupporting local governments and First Nations in their response planning, and investing in long-term water security through the $100-million Watershed Security Fund
\n\tlaunching the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding, which provides funding to help communities prepare for disasters and climate emergencies, including drought
\n\tinvesting $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
\n\tproviding $50 million toward new water meters for 19 small, rural and First Nation communities to save water and increase resilience\u00a0during droughts
\n\tpiloting a new water-scarcity level system in several regions to raise awareness and encourage\u00a0voluntary action to help reduce local water shortages<\/p>\n
\u201cWater is essential to B.C.\u2019s agricultural sector so farmers can continue to grow crops, produce forage and care for livestock that help feed British Columbians,\u201d said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Learn More:<\/p>\n
A backgrounder follows.<\/p>\n
Backgrounders<\/p>\n
Drought in B.C. is measured using a scale from 0 to 5, with 0 being no drought and 5 being the most severe drought. Drought levels show how dry conditions are in each region, not if water scarcity is occurring. Water supply can vary between communities, even within the same region.<\/p>\n
A new water-scarcity level system is also being piloted in several regions. It uses a scale of low, moderate and high to show the risk of water scarcity in the watershed. It raises awareness and encourages voluntary action to help prevent water shortages or reduce their impact.<\/p>\n
Drought is:<\/p>\n
\ta natural condition that happens when nature provides less rain or snow than usual
\n\tmeasured by comparing current conditions to what is normal for that location
\n\tcaused by climate and weather
\n\ta condition that can affect large areas, regions or the whole province
\n\ta potential contributing factor to water scarcity, if it lasts long enough<\/p>\n
Water scarcity is:<\/p>\n
\ta supply and demand problem that happens when there is not enough water for people, communities and nature
\n\tpotentially caused by high water use, limited storage or supply, or drought conditions
\n\ta problem that affects local areas or communities
\n\tdependent on how people use and manage water<\/p>\n