Persistent dry and hot conditions on British Columbia's coast led the provincial government to raise all of Vancouver Island as well as the Haida Gwaii basin to drought level 3 on Saturday. People who live in eastern and western Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii are being asked to reduce their water consumption wherever possible and to respect watering restrictions issued by local and regional governments, water utility providers or irrigation districts. "The high temperatures, consistent sunshine and lack of recent rain have increased water temperatures in numerous Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii streams," B.C.'s Ministry of Forests said in a news release.
B.C. residents encouraged to curb water use as drought conditions grow
B.C.’s River Forecast Centre is asking residents and business owners to start curtailing water use, as drought conditions intensify across the province. As of Friday, seven areas were at drought level 4, from southern Vancouver Island to the Kootenays. An additional nine areas, including the Lower and Middle Fraser, were at drought level 3. Local and regional governments make the formal rules around water usage, but the forecast centre manager George Roman said it would be prudent if people start altering their behaviour now.