Severe drought prompts new order limiting water use for irrigation in B.C. Interior

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA - The B.C. Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship has imposed a water-restriction order on the Bessette Creek area of the southern Interior due to severe drought conditions threatening endangered chinook salmon. The order, issued in response to record low flows in Bessette Creek, aims to protect the local salmon population from extinction.

The province describes Bessette Creek as a "critical concern" for salmon conservation, as low streamflows during spawning present a particularly high risk to the population. Despite significant voluntary conservation efforts in the area, the ministry's efforts have not been sufficient to boost water levels, leading to the temporary restriction of water use for forage crops, greenhouses, nurseries, and well-drilling.

131 surface-water and groundwater license holders in the Bessette Creek watershed are now obligated to cease water use for these purposes, effective Friday. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is available to assist affected producers with questions or claims related to crop failures or income declines caused by the drought.