British Columbia urges water conservation as drought worsens

The provincial government of British Columbia is calling on residents, farms and businesses to reduce water use as forecasts predict heightened drought conditions across much of the province. Minister Randene Neill said protecting water resources is a shared responsibility and that voluntary cuts, together with favourable weather, are essential to maintain stream flows, protect fish and wildlife, and support agricultural productivity.

In the Okanagan watershed, the Okanagan Basin Water Board reported a fourth consecutive year of drought. Water utilities are implementing varying restrictions, and Okanagan Lake has fallen below the level assumed in management plans, while the McCullough Reservoir is holding only about 70‑72% of its typical capacity. The board will resume regular meetings with water providers to improve communication and coordinate responses to the ongoing scarcity.