Times-Chronicle Staff
The B.C. government is urging people to conserve water after declaring a Level 4 drought in the Okanagan.
This level is characterized as “extremely dry” which could impact socio-economic or ecosystem values.
Vaseux Creek itself has been elevated to a Level 5 drought, which is “exceptionally dry.” A photo sent in by the Okanagan Basin Water Board shows a bone dry creek bed.
Okanagan water suppliers are being asked to do whatever possible to reduce water use in their communities.
At drought Level 4, licence holders who do not get their water from local water utilities are being asked to reduce water use by half. Water licence holders who get their water directly from one of the large lakes, or the Okanagan River channel are also being asked to conserve water.
Recreational fishing has been closed in most areas of the South Okanagan, including Osoyoos and Oliver.
