Okanagan basin still at Drought Level 4
The B.C. Government says despite cooler temperatures and some precipitation recently, drought, water scarcity and water supply security is still a concern for much of the southern half of the province.
The province said rain in the northern and far eastern regions of B.C. have alleviated some strains there, but persistent drought conditions are intensifying water scarcity in the southwest interior.
Slightly above-normal temperatures forecasted for the beginning of September will likely play a role in carrying the drought conditions into the fall.
There are currently four basins considered at Drought Level 5, the most severe level the province has where severe adverse impacts to socioeconomic and ecosystem values are expected. Those basins consist of the Kettle River watershed, the Salmon River watershed, West Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island. The province also notes that smaller watersheds in the Thompson Okanagan are showing signs of being at Drought Level 5.
The areas under Drought Level 4 are the Okanagan basin, both the North and South Thompson basins, the Coldwater River and Nicola River watershed, the Lower Columbia and West Kootenay basis, and the Lower Mainland and South Coast basins. In these areas, the drought is likely to have adverse effects on people, fish and the ecosystems.
The Similkameen, Cariboo/Chilcotin and Skagit watersheds are all at Drought Level 3, and the province notes several streams in those areas are also experiencing greater impacts from these conditions.
Eleven watershed basins in B.C are either under Drought Level 2 or 1.
The province advises British Columbians, particularly those in the areas where the drought levels are high, take steps to reduce their water usage.
These voluntary steps can involve:
- Limiting outdoor watering and not watering in the heat of the day or when it’s windy,
- Plan drought-tolerant vegetation,
- Take shorter showers,
- Do not leave taps running,
- Install water-efficient shower heads, taps and toilets,
- Have an irrigation scheduling program that matches crop needs and soil storage,
- Improve water system efficiencies,
- Focus on high-value crops and livestock,
- Reduce non-essential water use,
- Recycle water used in industrial operations,
- Use water-efficient methods and equipment,
If voluntary water conservation measures do not achieve sufficient results on the water supply and drought conditions worsen, then the province may take regulatory action under the Water Sustainability Act to put official mandatory orders in place.