Due to the declaration of Level 3 Drought for the East Kootenay Basin, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is requesting a voluntary water reduction of 30% by all water users in the East Kootenay Basin. This includes groundwater use and all purposes whether domestic, commercial, irrigation or other uses.
Currently, the Provinces uses a 6 level system to rank drought severity, with Level 0 representing average or wet conditions and Level 5 representing the the most severe low flow conditions. Level 3 drought means that serious ecosystem, community and economic effects are possible.
More information will be provided if the situation worsens or water conservation efforts change.
Residents can conserve water in various ways:
- Don’t allow the tap to run to get cold, keep a jug of water in the fridge
- Wash fruit and vegetables in a bucket rather than under a running tap
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full
- Take shorter showers
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
- Water lawns only when necessary and not in windy conditions or during the heat of the day, to avoid evaporation
- Use a broom to clean off driveways and sidewalks, instead of a hose
For further details on drought in British Columbia visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/drought-information.
Post Date: August 13, 2021 | Category: News & Updates