North Thompson hits level four drought rating

NORTH THOMPSON – As drought conditions persist and stream flows decrease around the province, the North Thompson region has joined the ranks of many others at a level four drought rating.

Conditions in the region are still extremely dry even after the past weekend’s rainfall. Further declines in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages, the province warns. All water users, including those who access groundwater, are asked to maximize their water conservation efforts.

A level four drought rating, the most extreme drought rating in the province, may require regional water managers to take additional regulatory actions. Specific actions could include the temporary suspension of water licences or short-term water approvals in affected areas.

Although residential, agricultural and industrial consumers who use reservoirs are less vulnerable to water supply shortages than those who use water from streams, lakes and wells, all water users are encouraged to observe local water conservation bylaws.

The North Thompson now joins the South Thompson, Okanagan, Similkameen, Skagit and Kettle regions at a level four drought rating.

A fishing ban is also in effect for several area rivers and in an effort to further protect spawning salmon the province is releasing water from the Nicola Lake dam into the Nicola River.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.