Special Bulletin

Request for voluntary water use reduction in the Koksilah Watershed 

This special bulletin provides an update on drought conditions and water levels in the Koksilah Watershed only

Overview

Streamflows in the Koksilah River Watershed are approaching a critical threshold for fish and aquatic ecosystem health. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is sending letters to licensed water users, including agricultural users, requesting voluntary reductions in water use in hopes of improving conditions and delaying or preventing the need for regulatory action. 

How is B.C. measuring drought levels in 2025?

• In 2025, the Province updated how it measures drought. In previous years, drought levels were set using a mix of information (e.g., rainfall, weather and streamflow data, observed impacts, evaluation of risk(s), and weather forecast(s). While the Province is still using a six-level rating scale, drought levels are now set based only on objective data that measure physical conditions - things like rainfall and streamflow - compared to historical records.
• Drought levels now more consistently measure how dry it is compared to historical norms, rather than how serious the impacts are. Regional efforts will focus on monitoring impacts to inform local management actions.
• Drought levels are only established for entire drought basins – for example, East Vancouver Island – and not for the smaller individual watersheds (like the Koksilah) that are within them.
• It’s important to recognize that drought levels in the Koksilah watershed may look different than in past years, even if streamflows or on the ground observations of how dry it is may be similar.  

Where can I find more information on drought and drought levels?

• See our recent Special Bulletin on Drought and Wildfire Preparedness released on July 10, 2025.
• For more information on B.C.’s drought levels, corresponding impacts and general response actions, refer to our BC Drought Information webpage.

What are the current conditions in the Koksilah Watershed?

• Provincial drought levels cover broad areas and may not reflect local drought conditions. While East Vancouver Island basin is currently at drought level 2, flows in the Koksilah River are currently below normal for this time of year.
• Impacts of streamflow conditions on aquatic habitats and fish populations are being tracked separately from the full basin for the Koksilah watershed.
• Streamflows are rapidly declining and are approaching the level that could threaten the survival of fish populations. These low flows, combined with water temperatures, are already within ranges that may negatively affect fish (e.g., reduced growth, delayed migration) and the proper functioning of aquatic ecosystems, with potential for significant or irreversible harm.  

The above hydrograph shows a steady drop in streamflow (dark blue line; in cubic meters per second or m³/s) in the Koksilah River between July 1, 2025 and July 14, 2025. Flow is now below average (light blue line) for this time of year and getting very close to a level that is considered dangerous for the survival of fish populations (known as the Fish Population Survival Threshold (FPST), illustrated by the red line). The trend shows that without significant rainfall or reduction in water use, the Koksilah River is on track to fall below the FPST very soon.

*stay updated on drought conditions in the East Vancouver Island basin on the BC Drought Information Portal

What actions are being taken by the Province in the Koksilah Watershed?

• In response to current streamflow and aquatic habitat conditions in the watershed, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is sending out letters to water users requesting voluntary water use reductions from streams and aquifers in the Koksilah River watershed.
• Water licence holders in the Koksilah watershed can expect to receive voluntary use reduction letters in the mail shortly.
• Voluntary water use reductions by licence holders in sensitive watersheds can have a considerable positive impact on streamflows – individuals and communities can play a critical role in delaying or even preventing the need for further regulatory actions.
• If stream conditions continue to deteriorate, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship staff may need to recommend further regulatory actions to protect fish and fish habitat, such as Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs).  See the Water Use During Scarcity webpage for more information.

More about voluntary reduction requests

• 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 are typically sent out to groups of water users (e.g., the highest volume water users within an area of concern), which may include agricultural water users, industrial users and water purveyors.  

What can agricultural water users do in response to current drought conditions?

• Use efficient irrigation techniques to reduce water demand and regularly maintain and repair irrigation systems to ensure they are operating efficiently (e.g., check for leaks, inspect nozzles regularly, and apply water wisely).
• Monitor crop and soil conditions, prioritize irrigating crops at critical growth stages, reduce irrigated acreage where possible, and coordinate with other irrigators to stagger watering schedules and ease pressure on local water sources. For example, for several years, a group of high volume agricultural water users in the Koksilah watershed have voluntarily coordinated their irrigation scheduling to reduce water demand during low flow conditions. These efforts have successfully helped delay – and even prevent – the need for further management action.
• If you hold a storage licence, rely on stored water rather than diverting directly from streams and wells.
• Access information and resources on drought and water management to help prepare for and respond to drought conditions at the Drought in Agriculture webpage.
• Look for and attend provincial townhalls that provide information on current drought conditions. Find upcoming events, including townhalls, workshops and field days here.  

Who do I contact if I have questions?

• 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.
• 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), please contact DroughtOps@gov.bc.ca.
• Visit gov.bc.ca/AgDrought for more drought resources, tools, and supports for farmers and food producers. 

Visit the AgriServiceBC website and follow our Facebook page for more information on drought resources and tools