Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures in Effect September 11, 2025

At the September 8, 2025 Council Meeting, Council directed Staff to move Dawson Creek into Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures effective September 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM until further notice.

How This Affects You

According to the City of Dawson Creek Water Conservation Measures Bylaw, during Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures, a person:

• Must not water flower gardens, planters, and shrubs or trees unless using an automatic shut off nozzle. Soaker hoses and sprinklers are not permitted.
• Must only water lawns on the specified days and times below:
  • Lawns at even-numbered addresses – Only on Wednesdays, between:
    • 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and
    • 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
  • Lawns at odd-numbered addresses – Only on Thursdays, between:
    • 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and
    • 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
• Must only use a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle to wash sidewalks, driveways, walls, roofs, or other outdoor surfaces, for the following reasons: to prepare for painting, sealing or similar work; to prevent or control fires; and for health and safety reasons.
• Must only use a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle to wash boats or motor vehicles, unless washing is necessary to keep lights, licence plates or windows visible or to ensure safe operation of the vehicle or boat.
• Must not use water to fill or refill garden ponds, fountains, private hot tubs or swimming pools.
• Must not use lawn sprinklers for recreational play.
• Must not haul bulk water for use in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in oil and gas operations, including but not limited to: filling c-ring ponds, dugouts or any water storage for hydraulic fracturing.

Pursuing a New Water Source

The Kiskatinaw River, the City’s current water source, is currently experiencing an unprecedented 3-year drought.  In previous years, a water release from Bearhole Lake would supplement the flows, but Bearhole Lake is not recharging, meaning there is no water to release into the Kiskatinaw River. With warm weather and limited precipitation, the Kiskatinaw River water levels are continuing to drop. The river is unable to meet the water demands of the city, causing a reliance on the city’s stored water. The city has upwards of 150 days in storage, meaning overall water consumption must be reduced to make it through the winter months without emergency support from the province.

Over the past year and a half, the City has been working towards a new water source for Dawson Creek. Currently, the City of Dawson Creek is working on permitting to build a new water line to an alternative water source. View more information about the alternative water source in the previous media release, “City of Dawson Creek Exploring Options for Alternative Water Supply”.

How You Can Help

Careful planning and consideration will be required as we continue moving through fall into winter. All residents are required to follow the water conservation measures as listed above to help decrease the demand on our water supply. The City also asks all residents and businesses to conserve water where possible.

Implementing conservation measures ensures water reserves are utilized as effectively as possible. Learn more at www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-conservation.

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Media Contact:
Communications Department
communications@dawsoncreek.ca