Water Stewardship

Drought Information

Precipitation was plentiful in many areas of the province throughout the winter season. However, the low snowpack, dry spring and very dry early summer are being reflected in lower than normal lake and reservoir levels, lower than normal recharge of groundwater aquifers, and lower than normal river and stream flows across southern BC.
An initial Information Bulletin on stream flow and water supply conditions was issued on July 24, 2009 with an update on stream flow conditions across B.C. This information is regularly updated.

Areas of low flow concern include: South Thompson Basin, Similkameen River Basin, the Okanagan River and Kettle River Basin, the South Coast and Vancouver Island.

Trout Creek, south of Summerland

The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor the situation and the B.C. Government will share information on conditions throughout the province on the River Forecast Centre website and in the case of low stream flows, Information Bulletins will be distributed to water purveyors, local industry and stewardship groups in impacted geographic regions.

Regional Updates:

Thompson-Nicola Region Low Streamflow Advisory [ 242kb]

Okanagan, Similkameen and Kettle Regions Low Streamflow Advisory [ 361kb]

South Thompson-Shuswap Low Streamflow Advisory [ 282kb]

For more detailed information on precipitation trends, streamflows, and ground water conditions, the Ministry of Environment River Forecast Centre completes snow surveys and summary bulletins throughout the winter and spring and regularly provides updated graphs and commentaries about stream flow conditions all year, along with links to Environment Canada’s data.

How does Drought affect us in B.C.?

Drought conditions, such as low streamflows, reduced precipitation, and warmer temperatures, can impact communities and individuals in British Columbia in many different ways. For example, drought can lead to reduced supplies available for drinking water and household use, lower streamflows and warmer river temperatures for fish and other aquatic life, and can affect the growth of crops in our fields, orchards, and vineyards and limit the water available for irrigation. If adequate storage is not available in a community, it may also lead to insufficient supplies available for fire fighting.

What can I do?

Water conservation is everyone's responsibility. Many communities in British Columbia are prepared to deal with low streamflow conditions with drought management plans and water conservation program already in place. We ask that all British Columbians support these efforts and to be stewards of their local water resource by conserving and protecting this vital resource for the environment, for our communities and for the many livelihoods that depend on our water. For more information on what you can do to make a difference visit.

Water Stewardship

Drought Information

Regional Updates:

Resource Information

Related Links