B.C. asks water users to conserve as drought and storm risks persist

B.C. is asking water users to keep conserving water and plan ahead as drought and water-scarcity risks are expected to persist through winter and, in some areas, into 2027. Forecasts point to below-normal snowpack in many regions, and recent rainfall has not reversed drought conditions. Okanagan Lake is at its lowest level for this time of year in more than 80 years.

Communities should also prepare for storms. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, debris flows, landslides and erosion, particularly in and below wildfire-burned watersheds. The Province says its River Forecast Centre monitors conditions and issues advisories and warnings when warranted.

Since 2023, the Province has invested $120 million in the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program and supported more than 700 projects to improve water storage and supply for irrigation and livestock. Residents are also urged to follow local fire restrictions and take FireSmart steps as wildfire season continues.