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Everyone is being asked to cut back water consumption

With weather conditions expected to remain hot and dry in the
coming week, water users on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are
being urged to reduce water consumption.

The region is currently experiencing Level 3 drought conditions, which
call for voluntary water use reductions of 20% or more from all
municipal, agricultural and industrial users.

Staff with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
are closely monitoring river levels and may upgrade the drought advisory
if the weather continues to have a negative effect on stream flows.

Water users are encouraged to ensure that water intakes are screened to
prevent fish from being pulled into water systems as water levels drop.
Low water levels can impede the passage of salmon to spawning grounds,
increase susceptibility to disease, or cause stranding or death due to
low oxygen and high water temperatures.

In addition to the low stream flows, groundwater measurements taken at
provincial observation wells on the West Coast indicate low water levels
typical of the dry season, reflecting both seasonal variations and
increased water usage due to the hot weather. Well owners are encouraged
to conserve water by using less and relying on stored water.

Level 4 drought conditions, the highest rating, are determined by factors
including regional stream flows, water storage capacity, ecological
concerns, weather forecasts and impacts on water users.

Should conditions reach Level 4, provincial water managers may exercise
their authority to temporarily suspend short-term water permits or water
licences in affected watersheds.

Further reductions in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water
shortages and affect people, agriculture, industry and fish stocks. The
Province will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as the
need arises.

Water conservation tips:

At home:

* Limit outdoor watering.
* Don't water during the heat of the day or when it's windy.
* Consider planting drought-tolerant vegetation.
* Take shorter showers.
* Don't leave the tap running.
* Install water-efficient showerheads and toilets.

On the farm:

* Implement an irrigation scheduling program using real-time weather
data.
* Schedule irrigation to match crop needs and soil storage capacity.
* Improve water system efficiencies and check for leaks.
* Focus on high value crops and livestock.

Industry:

* Reduce non-essential water usage.
* Recycle water used in industrial operations.
* Utilize water-efficient methods and equipment.

– Contributed by the Provincial Government.

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