By Adam Berls

drought conditions

‘Every drop counts’: Prince George at Drought Level 4

Jul 13, 2023 | 3:11 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — As drought conditions worsen, with unprecedented levels of drought being observed in British Columbia this early in the season, people and businesses are urged to prioritize water conservation.

“Every drop counts.” That is the message from Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, as Prince George is now sitting at Drought Level 4. Drought Level 4 means adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely. A report from the BC River Forecast Centre says the combination of record heat in May followed by early snow melt and persistently low levels of precipitation have parched much of British Columbia.

As of July 13, four of B.C.’s 34 water basins are at Drought Level 5: Fort Nelson, Bulkley Lake, West Vancouver Island and East Vancouver Island. There are 18 water basins at Drought Level 4 meaning more than two-thirds of these basins are in level 4 or 5.

The Minister laid out several ways British Columbians can reduce their water usage.

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“You can save 19 liters of water for every minute that you reduce a shower, only doing full loads of dishes or laundry. Every load of laundry uses up to 190 liters of water and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving. If each person and company makes a few small changes to how they use water, it can have a profound impact.” – Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

If conservation measures do not achieve sufficient results and drought conditions worsen, temporary protection orders under the Water Sustainability Act may be issued to water licensees to avoid significant or irreversible harm to aquatic ecosystems.

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Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com