Thompson-Okanagan in level three drought

The extremely hot and dry conditions in the Thompson-Okanagan means impacts to ecosystems and socio-economic conditions are possible.

Drought is currently impacting about half of B.C, with extremely dry or very dry conditions in the Okanagan, Shuswap, Thompson-Nicola, Fraser Canyon, Cariboo region and on Vancouver Island, according to an Okanagan Basin Water Board bulletin.

The Okanagan has reached level three drought conditions which are measured on a scale of one to five, with five being the driest conditions.

READ MORE: Heat wave could have huge impact on Thompson-Okanagan fish

In the Okanagan, a warm, dry spring and an unprecedented heat wave in June has stressed water sources and infrastructure. Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes also did not reach “full pool” this year, according to the water board.

Warmer than normal temperatures and below average precipitation is forecasted for the summer, and water users are being asked to observe water conservation bylaws, watering restrictions, along with advice from local government, irrigation districts or water utilities, according to the water board.

Many Okanagan water suppliers have drought management plans and operate with year-round watering restrictions for their domestic customers. Water conditions also vary across the valley.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.