Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash

With unprecedented levels of drought being observed in British Columbia this early in the season, people and businesses are urged to prioritize water conservation.

Provincial staff are monitoring the situation and working to balance water use with environmental flow needs.

The government has been working with communities during the past few months to prepare, including working with local government partners and First Nations.

With the activation of the BC Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan in April 2023, area-specific drought response plans are under development with First Nations, local authorities, licensees and stakeholders.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is helping communities with their water-scarcity response planning through the release of an emergency water-scarcity planning template and a water-demand survey tool, and is ready to support other planning efforts throughout the drought season.

Every drop counts.

Here are some indoor water conservation tips:

Reduce personal water use, such as taking shorter showers.

If washing dishes by hand, fill the sink, rather than letting the water run freely.

Instead of running the tap, keep a jug of cool water in the fridge.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Regularly check your home for leaks. Undetected leaks in your home can waste many litres of water each year.

Run full loads of laundry and full loads in the dishwasher.

Outdoor water conservation tips:

Water lawns sparingly.

Water things, such as gardens, in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Clean the driveway with a broom instead of a hose.

Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses.

Talk to a local nursery or garden supplies centre about drought-tolerant plants.

Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for outdoor plant use.

If you have a swimming pool, consider a water-saving pool filter.