After Months Under Stage 3 Restrictions, Dawson Creek Returns to Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures

Dawson Creek, BC — After several months under Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures, the City of Dawson Creek is moving back to Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures, effective immediately.

The change comes after continued monitoring of local water conditions showed improvement in the City’s available water supply. The headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River (Bearhole Lake) have recharged, reservoirs are full, and the City currently has stable access to water through the Kiskatinaw River system.

While the City is stepping down restrictions, officials emphasize that drought conditions have not ended and water conservation remains important.

“Over the past several months, the City team has done an incredible job closely monitoring conditions, tracking data, and planning for a range of scenarios to help protect our water system,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “Moving back to Stage 1 reflects the information we have today: Bearhole Lake has recharged, reservoirs are full, and we currently have stable access to water through the Kiskatinaw River. This decision shows we are managing our water system responsibly and making decisions based on real-time conditions, while continuing to plan carefully for the long-term impacts of drought.”

Why Are Restrictions Changing?

The City has remained in Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures since September 2025 due to prolonged drought conditions and concerns about long-term water supply reliability.

Water conservation stages are based on the amount of water currently available to the City, including reservoir levels and conditions in the Kiskatinaw River watershed.

At this time:

• Bearhole Lake has recharged
• City reservoirs are full
• The City currently has access to water through the Kiskatinaw River system
• Staff continue to closely monitor river flows and watershed conditions

Recent flows in the Kiskatinaw River have dropped below the seasonal median, meaning conditions still require close monitoring and the community should continue to use water responsibly.

Drought Conditions Still Exist

The City wants residents to understand that moving to Stage 1 does not mean the drought is over.

There is an important difference between drought conditions and the water currently available to the City.

Drought refers to the broader, long-term impacts on regional water supply and watershed health. Water conservation stages reflect the City’s current access to water, based on available storage and source conditions.

While Dawson Creek is in a stronger position today than it was in fall 2025, long-term water supply challenges remain, and conservation will continue to play an important role in protecting the community’s water system. The long-term Water Supply System project remains active. Learn more at www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply.

Stage 1 Water Conservation Requirements

Residents may water lawns under the following schedule:

Even-numbered addresses

Water lawns on even calendar dates only:

• 4:00AM to 9:00AM
• 7:00PM to 10:00PM

Odd-numbered addresses

Water lawns on odd calendar dates only:

• 4:00AM to 9:00AM
• 7:00PM to 10:00PM

Residents using a hose for watering must use a spray nozzle or automatic shut-off device.

The City team will continue monitoring water conditions closely and may adjust conservation stages as conditions change.

For more information about water conservation measures, visit the City’s website at dawsoncreek.ca/water-conservation.

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Media Contact:
communications@dawsoncreek.ca