How to tackle persistent drought: Lessons from British Columbia

British Columbia has been grappling with extreme drought conditions, leading to devastating effects such as a Syilx Okanagan Nation watershed emergency, 70% water-use reductions for agricultural producers in Vernon, regulatory orders to protect salmon, and explosive wildfires. This recurring pattern of drought crises highlights the province's water management approach, which treats drought as a short-term seasonal emergency rather than a year-round, persistent issue.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Victoria's POLIS Water Sustainability Project explored B.C.'s drought history, present state, and future projections, revealing the evolution of drought and gaps in the provincial government's response. New records for drought severity, extent, and duration have been set, with severe drought affecting about 85% of the province in 2023.

Climate change and shifts in hydrology are significant drivers of drought, but human decisions regarding land and water usage also play a crucial role. The provincial water management system operates under the assumption of water abundance, which is no longer applicable in today's water scarcity and drought realities. While the B.C. government has made some improvements in drought management, its overall approach remains reactive and grounded in the abundance assumption.

A comprehensive reform agenda is necessary to shift from crisis response to proactive action. Key steps include implementing the Water Sustainability Act, developing regional water sustainability plans, supporting key sectors in adapting to new water realities, and rapidly scaling up water conservation strategies. These measures aim to create enduring, adaptive watershed-level solutions and ensure that communities can plan and make decisions reflecting their unique hydrological, cultural, and economic realities.