B.C. government asks residents to lower water use as drought rating rises

VANCOUVER – British Columbia residents are once again being asked to curb their water use as drought conditions persist throughout the province.

The Forests Ministry has raised the drought rating to Level 4 in the Okanagan region, signalling extremely dry conditions that could lead to water shortages.

The north Thompson region has had its rating raised to Level 3.

Fishing has also been banned along the main stem of the Okanagan River between Okanagan Lake and Osooyos Lake to protect fish stocks amid low stream flows and high temperatures.

Drought ratings for the south Thompson, Similkameen, Kettle and Skagit areas were all raised to Level 4 on July 27.

Municipalities throughout the province have put water restrictions into effect, including in Metro Vancouver, where residents can be fined $250 for watering their lawns or hand washing their cars.