Home / Environment / New Order Protects Salmon River Amid Drought
New Order Protects Salmon River Amid Drought
20 Aug
Summary
- New order issued to protect Salmon River watershed.
- Drought conditions threaten endangered chinook salmon.
- Water use restricted for irrigation and other purposes.
The British Columbia government has implemented a new temporary protection order for the Salmon River watershed. This action is being taken due to severe drought conditions and critically low streamflow, which pose a significant threat to the survival of endangered chinook salmon.
Over 200 chinook salmon have already entered the watershed, a vital stage in their life cycle. The new order mandates that 458 surface and groundwater license holders cease water usage for irrigating forage crops, lawns, fairways, and for industrial garden purposes.
This order follows a previous temporary protection measure that was in effect from July 28 and rescinded on August 8. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is directly contacting those affected by the current restrictions.
Provincial staff are continuously monitoring streamflow, fish populations, and watershed conditions. The protection order will be lifted as soon as conditions improve enough to safeguard fish populations and essential environmental flows. Water Sustainability Act provisions allow for water use during wildfires or firefighting operations in the affected area. Support programs are available for farmers experiencing crop failure due to drought.
