Vancouver Island remains under drought conditions Monday morning with the promise of rain by the end of the week, according to Environment Canada and the Province of BC.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development issued a notice on September 10 that Eastern Vancouver Island was experiencing a Level 3 Drought, representing “Very Dry” conditions.
The province’s drought map showed on Monday that the advisory remains in effect, while Western Vancouver Island has been rated at a Level 2, for “Dry” conditions.
The Ministry said on Thursday that residential, agricultural and industrial water users should observe restrictions and advice from local governments.
“Maximum water conservation is being urged for all areas where low flows are approaching a critical environmental flow threshold for ecosystems and fish,” they stated.
“Water conservation is everyone’s responsibility.”
Some general water conservation tips the province provided include:
- Limit outdoor watering.
- Do not water during the heat of the day or when it is windy.
- Consider planting drought-tolerant vegetation.
- Take shorter showers.
- Do not leave taps running.
- Install water-efficient showerheads, taps and toilets.
A break in the drought could be on the way, though, with rain in the forecast for the east Island by week’s end.
Environment Canada is predicting a 60 per cent chance of showers on Friday for Nanaimo, Victoria, Campbell River and the Cowichan Valley.
There is also a possibility the east Island could see rain on Tuesday, with most areas seeing a chance of precipitation around 30 or 40 per cent.
