Water restrictions likely on the way as B.C. faces drought: Minister

smoke flames are seen in this photo of the donnie creek wildfire burning in bc — File -- The Donnie Creek wildfire (G80280) burns in an area between Fort Nelson and Fort St. John, B.C. in this undated handout photo. Underlying drought, unseasonably warm temperatures last month and hot, dry conditions in the June forecast mean "the table has been set" for significant wildfire activity this summer, an official with the British Columbia Wildfire Service says. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, BC Wildfire Service

Posted July 10, 2023 3:38 pm.

Last Updated July 10, 2023 3:39 pm.

Campfire bans were issued for most of B.C. Monday and water usage could soon be restricted as well, according to the province’s Minister of Emergency Management.

Bowinn Ma says many B.C. communities are already implementing water restrictions, and the province continues to “pay very, very close attention and assess the situation.”

“Things have certainly escalated very drastically,” she said during a press conference Monday afternoon.

“The drought situation is serious, we have not experienced this level of widespread drought across the province this early in the year.”

Ma says 17 of the province’s 34 water basins are already — at least — a level 4 out of 5 on the drought level classification. As she explains, although restrictions aren’t in place all over B.C. yet, it isn’t too early to start being mindful of how much water individuals use.

“We’re signaling today that the situation is serious, and the calls for individuals to not only abide by local community restrictions but also engage in their own water scarcity water reduction practices is absolutely necessary. We need people to pay attention.”

The province is asking locals to reduce their water use where they can — such as not watering their plants during the warmest part of the day, only running their dishwasher when it’s full, and not leaving their taps running unattended.

“What’s often the case with drought is that, the impacts will often not be felt for some time after we see them, so it could be weeks before communities really feel them on the ground,” Ma added.

According to Environment Canada, record temperatures were present in parts of B.C. on Sunday — not helping widespread drought conditions.

The weather office says six high-temperature records for the day were reached — including a high of 37.2 C in Nakusp in southeast B.C. and a daily high record of 33 C in Fort Nelson.

The record in Fort Nelson shatters a 64-year-old mark, topping it by over two degrees.

The heat and unsettled conditions have also led to severe thunderstorm watches for the parched Fort Nelson and Peace River regions — where damaging wind gusts, large hail, and torrential rain are possible throughout Monday.

With files from The Canadian Press

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