Rivers drying up, water conservation urged as drought looms in northeastern B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Residents across northeastern B.C. are being urged to conserve water as drought conditions turn some area rivers in little more than mud flats.

Rivers across most of the Peace Region are edging toward historic lows and officials warn of possible water shortages, affecting people, agriculture, industry and fish stocks.

A low stream flow advisory has been issued for the eastern Peace, affecting the Kiskatinaw, Moberly, Beatton and Fontas rivers in the Liard River drainage area, their tributaries and watersheds all the way to the Alberta border.

The drought is blamed on a below-average snowpack, and dry, warm weather over the spring and early summer.

The B.C. Oil and Gas Commission has responded to the parched conditions by ordering all oil and gas operators in the northeast to suspend short-term water withdrawals from area rivers.

The commission says, if necessary, it will help companies identify options for alternative water supplies until river levels are restored. (MooseFM)