— from Lindsay Kines / Times Colonist —
Record high temperatures and low rainfall have prompted the province to upgrade the drought warning on southern and eastern Vancouver Island to its highest level.
Most rivers and streams will close to fishing on July 1.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations urged residents, industry, farmers and municipalities to reduce water consumption as much as possible.
“The less water that is consumed, the more water is available for fish, ecosystems and other water users,” said Valerie Cameron, manager of water stewardship, in a teleconference call Tuesday.
It’s the earliest the province has moved to a Level 4 or “extremely dry” rating on southern Vancouver Island since the rating system began in 2010. Last year, the region was upgraded to Level 4 on July 3.
“We’re hoping that the drought won’t be as bad as it was last year, but we are preparing just in case,” Cameron said.
Water systems supplied by large reservoirs, such as in the capital region, are less affected by the drought warning. But the government still wants users in those areas to conserve water and obey local sprinkling bylaws.
“Conserving water now will extend the length of time that water supplies will last,” Cameron said.
SOURCE: Read more at: https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/drought-warning-for-island-goes-to-highest-level-1.2289074#sthash.DVr59tsa.WqxwrDqG.dpuf
