The evidence of extreme drought conditions in the Thompson-Okanagan region is apparent with lower than usual lakes and rivers, and streams and ponds drying up.

Signs of the drought appeared in early spring and is the result of a low snowpack, very little precipitation this spring and high temperatures.

iN PHOTOS: Signs of drought in Okanagan, Kamloops | iNFOnews.ca — Cools Pond in the North Okanagan is almost dried up. SUBMITTED/Harold Sellers

Both the South Thompson basin and the Similkameen basins are at drought level 4, meaning critically low stream flows, depleted reservoirs and stressed groundwater systems, according to the BC Drought Information Portal.

The Okanagan and Nicola basins are currently listed at drought level 5, which is the highest rating and indicates extremely dry conditions and almost certain impacts on residents and the environment, requiring government regulatory measures and monitoring.

The crisis is impacting fish and aquatic life and has resulted in several municipalities in the region mandating water-use restrictions for farmers and homeowners in late spring, and encouraging residents to conserve water.