Water Scarcity Response Update: Drought Conditions and Next Steps

Dawson Creek, BC — The City continues to respond to water scarcity caused by ongoing drought conditions in the Kiskatinaw watershed. While recent rainfall has improved conditions, ongoing conservation and careful water management remain important as we move through the summer and work to maintain reservoir levels. 

The City's goal is to enter the winter season with full reservoirs to help ensure a reliable water supply. 

One of the key areas we monitor is Bearhole Lake, located at the headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River. Recent rainfall has increased water levels at the lake, and water is now reaching the top of the weir. This is encouraging and shows that conditions have improved compared to last year. However, the watershed remains in drought, and continued rainfall will be needed to support long-term recovery. 

What We've Done

Since drought conditions worsened last year, the City has taken a coordinated approach to protecting our water supply. Staff across multiple departments have worked together to monitor conditions, implement conservation measures, communicate with the public, and plan for potential water shortages.

Key actions taken to date include:

• Declaring a local drought emergency and activating the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), including an Emergency Management Team made up of City staff.
• Implementing water conservation measures and public information campaigns.
• Increasing monitoring of watershed conditions, reservoir levels, stream flows, and other water supply indicators.
• Regularly reviewing water supply data and potential risks.
• Working with regional partners, provincial agencies, and technical experts to support water management efforts.
• Providing regular updates to Council and the public on drought conditions and water supply status.
• Planned and performed preliminary actions for the Emergency Overland Water Transfer solution should the City enter a future water scarcity event and require temporary supplemental water from a separate source

What We’re Doing Now

Recent rainfall has improved conditions in parts of the watershed, but drought conditions remain and the City continues to closely manage water supply. We are maintaining a steady, coordinated response focused on monitoring conditions, managing demand, and adjusting actions based on the latest information. 

Current work includes: 

• Closely monitoring watershed conditions, including Bearhole Lake, stream flows, reservoir levels, and weather patterns.  
• Reviewing water supply data regularly through Water and Environmental Operations teams.  
• Holding regular Emergency Team meetings to assess conditions, risks, and response options.  
• Tracking rainfall and watershed recovery to understand and plan for short- and longer-term impacts on water supply.  
• Maintaining water conservation measures. 
• Adjusting operational and response decisions as conditions change.  
• Providing ongoing updates to Council, residents, businesses, and partners. 

Understanding the City's Water Supply Response

The City is currently responding to water scarcity caused by drought conditions in the Kiskatinaw Watershed. 

To help protect the community's water supply in the short term, the City has worked to create an Emergency Overland Water Transfer plan. More information is available at www.dawsoncreek.ca/drought. 

At the same time, the City continues to advance the long-term Water Supply System Project, which is designed to improve water security and reliability for future generations. More information is available at www.dawsoncreek.ca/water-supply. 

While recent rainfall and rising water levels at Bearhole Lake are encouraging, conditions remain under close observation. The City will continue to take a cautious, data-driven approach to managing the community's water supply.