Dry conditions prompt voluntary water restrictions on Haida Gwaii

VICTORIA – Residents of Haida Gwaii are being asked by the B.C. government to use less water as dry conditions persist.

The province says stream and groundwater levels have dropped on the remote islands coast and the effects of recent precipitation were short-lived.

Very dry conditions have raised the drought level to three or orange, and the Ministry of Forests says in a release that further drops in water levels could lead to water shortages and affect people, agriculture, industry and fish.

Level three drought conditions call for all residents — including people who use water for agriculture or industrial purposes — to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 30 per cent.

The Forests Ministry says staff are closely monitoring river and well levels, and there may be upgrades to the drought rating if water levels continue to drop.

Low water levels have also prompted water restrictions on Vancouver Island, where the drought level ranges from very dry in the west around Tofino, to extremely dry in the east, around Victoria.