Most of BC's Southern Interior is under drought level 3, coalition says

Less than 10% of BC has sufficient water to meet socio-economic and ecosystem needs, says the BC Watershed Security Coalition.

The coalition, which is made up of 50 organizations, says almost all regions in BC are now experiencing some form of drought, following record-low snowpack levels.

“The province has experienced multiple years of severe drought levels and unprecedented conditions,” the coalition says in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“While some areas have experienced recent rains, many of our watersheds are experiencing record-low flows.”

In BC, drought is measured on a scale of one to five with one being the lowest and five being the highest with adverse impacts to socio-economic and ecosystems being almost certain.

According to the Aug. 15 update on the BC Provincial Drought Map, 13% of the province is at the highest level of drought.

That includes the Upper Fraser and Bulkley-Lakes basins between Prince George and Terrace.

Meanwhile, all of Vancouver Island is also at drought level five.

More than a quarter, a little more than 26%, of the province is at drought level four, which means adverse impacts a likely.

Additionally, 21.2% of the province is under drought level three, which means adverse impacts are possible and conservation plus local water restrictions are recommended.

That includes most of the Souther Interior Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, a large portion of the Central Kootenays, Bella Coola, Haida Gwaii and the Lower Mainland.

Only one water basin, the large Northwest basin, is at drought level zero.

“As our climate changes, water scarcity is becoming a dire challenge for BC,” notes the coalition.

“Low water levels and high water temperatures combine to pose a deadly threat to wild salmon populations, many of which are already struggling.”

They add: “A piecemeal approach to heading off an impending disaster is not enough.”

The coalition repeats calls from February for “immediate and decisive” action to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

^{Thumbnail photo credit: 123rf}