The province is lifting water use restrictions along two rivers on Vancouver Island after orders were put in place earlier this summer to protect fish.
Starting today, Sept. 27, water use restrictions have been rescinded along the Koksilah and Tsolum rivers.
The province first ordered the water use restrictions in August due to prolonged drought in B.C.
The orders mostly affected licence holders who used the water for crop irrigation or industrial purposes.
“Significant rainfall has restored the streamflows of the Koksilah and Tsolum rivers to levels that no longer threaten steelhead trout populations,” said the ministry of forests in a release Wednesday.
“Fish protection orders, with the co-operation and compliance of affected water users, have successfully improved critical threats to the survival of steelhead trout populations.”
Anyone who was impacted by the water restrictions is being contacted individually, according to the province.
Meanwhile, a temporary fishing closure along the Cowichan River, which was also activated in August, remains in effect until Nov. 15.
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People who use water from these rivers are asked to continue conserving water where possible.
“Vancouver Island remains at drought level 5, the most severe rating, and many Vancouver Island regions continue to experience drought impacts,” said the province. “Every drop counts to make sure that everyone has the water they need.”
The province is also reminding farmers that they can access the AgriStability program if they are impacted by drought.
The joint federal and provincial program provides farmers with support if they see significant drops in income or increased expenses due to extreme weather.
Adam Chan
