Thompson-Okanagan Drought E-Bulletin - July 2024

Special Update: Drought Level Increase and Voluntary Water Use Reduction Requests

Thompson-Okanagan Region

This special update is to provide drought preparedness information only.

General emergency response information, such as wildfire or floods, would be provided through Emergency Management BC.

Drought Update

Provincial drought levels have been elevated to Drought Level 3 for the Salmon River and Bessette Creek sub-basins and Similkameen basin due to low stream flows, low anticipated precipitation, groundwater levels, and elevated stream temperatures in the regions.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is asking water users to voluntarily reduce water use. Water licence holders in certain areas can expect to receive voluntary conservation letters in the mail shortly, if they have not already (additional information below).

What are the current drought levels in the Thompson Okanagan region?

As of July 18, 2024, drought levels in the Thompson Okanagan region are at levels 1 or 2 in some watersheds, and have increased to level 3 in the Salmon River, Bessette Creek, and Similkameen watersheds as shown in the map below. Visit the B.C. Drought Information Portal for more information about current drought levels across the province.

Map showing the provincial drought levels for the Thompson Okanagan region, as of July 18, 2024.

What do the current drought levels in this area mean? 

The Province uses a six-level classification (ranging from 0 to 5, with 5 being the most severe) to rate the severity of drought conditions. For more information on B.C.’s drought response levels, corresponding impacts, and general response actions, see the British Columbia Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan. 
The present (as of July 18, 2024) drought levels in the Thompson Okanagan region range from 1 to 3 (with the most severe drought conditions being in the Salmon River, Bessette, and Similkameen watersheds):

About provincial drought levels

Provincial drought levels are set for B.C.’s drought management basins weekly during the drought season.
Drought levels correspond to the likelihood of negative impacts* due to low water levels in streams and aquifers and provide guidance on possible provincial response measures (although provincial response actions may be taken at any drought level).
The Province's drought levels focus on “hydrological drought”, which is described by low water levels in lakes, streams and aquifers (groundwater). Hydrological drought is different from agricultural drought, which occurs when there is not enough water for crops or livestock to thrive.
Provincial drought levels are different from local water restriction “stages”, which are decided upon by local water suppliers.

* In the context of provincial drought levels, impacts refer to socio-economic and ecosystem values including community well-being, economic vitality, biodiversity, and the health of natural habitats.

What actions are being taken by the Province in this area?  

In response to increasingly hot and dry conditions in the region, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is asking water users to voluntarily reduce water use. Water licence holders in sensitive watersheds can expect to receive voluntary conservation letters in the mail shortly, if they have not already.

During times of water scarcity or drought, the Province can apply a number of regulatory options, alone or in combination to protect the rights of water users, aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. See the Water Use During Scarcity webpage for more information.

Voluntary reductions in water use by users in sensitive areas can have a considerable positive impact on streamflows - individuals and communities can collectively play a critical role in preventing the need for further regulatory actions such as Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) required to protect fish and fish habitat.

About voluntary reduction requests

As drought levels increase, voluntary water conservation measures may be requested by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship to help minimize further declines in streamflows to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Water use reductions requested in these letters are voluntary and are not legally required.

Water users may receive multiple requests with increasing urgency to voluntarily reduce water use as drought conditions worsen.

Voluntary reduction request letters do not target individual water users but may be sent out to groups of users (e.g., the highest volume water users within an area of concern). Letter recipients may include water licence holders, transitioning groundwater users, and other water authorization holders.

If voluntary water conservation measures do not improve streamflow conditions, regulatory action (e.g., the use of Temporary Protection Orders) may be considered as a last resort.

For more information about provincial drought response, visit the Drought Information webpage.

What can agricultural water users do to prepare for, and respond to, drought conditions?

Voluntarily reduce water use where feasible and encourage others to do the same. Voluntary water use reduction requests from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship are made to help minimize declines in stream flows and to prevent or delay regulatory actions to protect fish and aquatic ecosystems. Whether you are drawing from a stream or from a well, your conservation efforts can make a difference!
Use weather forecasting and irrigation scheduling tools, and soil moisture sensors to make informed irrigation decisions and adapt practices according to current conditions.
Use efficient irrigation techniques to reduce water demand, and regularly maintain and repair irrigation systems to ensure they are operating efficiently.
Work with your neighbours and other water users in your area to collectively reduce water use. In some areas, agricultural water users have worked together by pledging to irrigate on different days, which has reduced impacts on streamflows and prevented or delayed the implementation of regulatory actions.
Access information and resources on drought and water management to help prepare for and respond to drought at the Drought in Agriculture webpage.
Ensure you are protected against crop losses, such as those caused by drought, by purchasing Production Insurance, which is affordable, efficient, and offers flexible coverage to meet operational needs. Contact any of the Business Risk Management Branch offices for more information or to apply. 
We need to look after ourselves during difficult times too. Ag Safe has partnered with mental wellness practitioners to provide FREE counselling services to members of BC Agriculture, while the Do More Agriculture Foundation offers AgTalk, a peer-to-peer support platform, moderated 24/7. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please contact 911 (emergency support) or 988 (mental health crisis support – 24/7) immediately.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

AgriService BC at AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-888-221-7141 for questions about supports for agriculture (e.g., project funding, financial assistance, drought resilience information), workshops, and training activities.
WaterResources@gov.bc.ca for information on water licensing and rights, water concerns in your area, or provincial drought response measures (e.g., letters requesting voluntary water use reductions and water-related orders).
Your local Agricultural Water Resource Consultant, Chris Ford at chris@thewaterpeople.com or (250) 214-0422 if you are a producer in the Salmon River area seeking more information on upcoming training opportunities and available funding supports.