It’s just one week into summer, but much of Vancouver Island has already been placed on the province’s highest drought alert.
Skyrocketing temperatures from north of Campbell River down the east coast of Vancouver Island all the way to Greater Victoria have prompted the province to issue a level four drought rating for those regions.
It means residents are encouraged to reduce their water consumption by as much as possible.
The north and west coasts of the island remain at a level three “very dry” drought rating, the province said.
The hot, dry conditions have also prompted a fishing ban in most streams and rivers on the South Island because of reduced flow and water levels.
The freshwater sport fishing ban takes effect on July 1, but it won’t affect the Big Qualicum, Puntledge or Quinsam rivers, while Campbell River and all streams north of it and Bamfield will also remain open to fishing.
The closures will remain for as long as the extreme drought conditions persist, according to the province.
A level four drought rating allows various regional governments to issue water restrictions and aims for maximum reduction of water use.
Residents in the Capital Regional District can find water conservation information, including a lawn watering schedule which applies from May 1 to Sept. 30, here.
Water use restrictions for the Nanaimo area can be found here.
