Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures in Effect July 25, 2025

July 22, 2025

City Hall News

At the Special Meeting of Council held on July 22, 2025, Council received an update regarding the status of water levels in the Kiskatinaw River. Council directed staff to move Dawson Creek into Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures effective at noon Friday, July 25, 2025 until further notice.

How this affects you

According to the City of Dawson Creek Water Conservation Measures Bylaw, during Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures a person must:

a) water lawns on specified days and times by specific addresses:

(i) even-numbered address: Wednesdays and Saturdays between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

(ii) odd-numbered address: Thursdays and Sundays between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

b) use an automatic shut-off device on hose to wash boats or motor vehicles.

c) not haul bulk water for non-potable use in hydraulic fracturing operations for oil and gas industries, including but not limited to the following activities: filling of C-ring ponds, dugouts, or any water storage facility for the purpose of hydraulic fracturing.

Hauling bulk water for non-potable use is the key area that will be affected during these conservation measures. This restriction does not in any way impact drinking water for rural residents or impact commercial hauling for drinking water.

How the drought is affecting water levels

Water levels in the Kiskatinaw River are currently being affected by the ongoing drought in two ways:

The northeast part of British Columbia is experiencing a historic period of drought. The Kiskatinaw River is displaying the lowest flows in history. Staff continue to monitor flows and are working with the Province on the matter.
In 2009, a control weir was installed at Bearhole Lake (the headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River) to release water into the river during low flows. In September of 2024, the City released water into the Kiskatinaw River to sustain winter flows; however, due to drought and low snowpack, Bearhole Lake did not recharge, meaning there is no more water to release into the River.

Infrastructure in our favour

The City has invested in a number of key infrastructure improvements over the years in order to build resilience against situations such as this, see below:

Bearhole Lake Weir: In 2009, a weir was installed to increase water levels in Bearhole Lake. The City is able to release this water to supplement flows for aquatic, environmental and human use. Over the years, the City has conducted several successful releases.
Reclaimed Water Facility: In 2012, the City’s Water Reclamation Facility was built to provide non-potable water to industry. This facility has the capacity to produce approximately 4,000 cubic meters a day.
South Dawson Reservoir: In 2018, the South Dawson Reservoir was built with the intent to provide water in times of drought. The South Dawson Reservoir has a capacity of 1,000,000 cubic meters and is currently full and can provide up to 115 days of City water use.
Raw water reservoirs: The City has raw water reservoirs that store an additional 50-60 days of water. The philosophy has always been that these reservoirs would enable the City to withstand periods of drought, with the belief that these droughts would end and water sources would be replenished.
Alternate Water Supply discussions: The City Team is taking steps to identify an alternative water supply, as notified in the July 15, 2025 media release: City of Dawson Creek Exploring Options for Alternative Water Source. Below is a timeline of actions taken to boost water security:

How you can help

Moving to Stage 2 Water Conservation shows that the community is taking this drought seriously and preparing in the ways needed. Implementing conservation measures ensures water reserves are utilized as effectively as possible.

While this is not an emergency, careful planning and consideration will be required as we continue moving through the summer months and into winter.

You can help by learning more about water conservation. Visit www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-conservation to view tips and tricks for conserving water in our community.

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