News Release - Urgent Need for Water Conservation

The Province announced on July 6 that the Upper Fraser East Basin, which includes the Robson Valley, is experiencing Level 4 Drought conditions – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/drought-information. At Drought Level 4, conditions are extremely dry and adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely.

Additionally, the Province’s Snow Basin Indices for June 15, 2023, shows the snowpack in the Upper Fraser East Basin (including the Robson Valley) at 0% – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin.

 

On July 6, 2023, the Province issued a news release urging BC residents and businesses to conserve water, noting that while the recent rains have provided relief for some regions in B.C., it has not been enough to overcome the limited rain and precipitation from previous months. The increased flows that are present in some streams and river systems are likely to be short-lived.

The Village of McBride issued a Water Conservation Notice on May 17, 2023, to remind residents of year round sprinkling restrictions as per the Village of McBride Water Bylaw No. 737:

Dominion Creek, McBride’s sole source for drinking water and primary source for fire suppression, is experiencing unprecedented low flows and, as a result, the Village and Fire Department urgently request that residents and businesses take measures to further conserve water. Fire Chief David Hruby notes that, “It is extremely important for the fire department and ultimately the residents of the Fire District that water conservation remains a high priority. There needs to be ample water available when needed - a structure fire won’t wait while water supplies regenerate.  The water you save today could save your house or life tomorrow.” 

To ensure adequate water for fire protection, drinking and other essential uses now and into summer and early fall, residents and businesses in McBride are asked to reduce nonessential water use and enact the following water conservation measures immediately:

• Not to sprinkle lawns
• Not to wash vehicles or boats
• Not to wash driveways, sidewalks, fences or building exteriors, except for health and safety reasons
• Not to fill swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, etc.
• Limit watering of flowers and gardens to hand watering only (no sprinkling)
• Consider use of rain barrels

More information:

• View the B.C. Drought Information Portal, including maps and tables 
• For drought information
• For freshwater sportfishing regulations and angling closures
• For the River Forecast Centre
• For information about drought and agriculture