Wednesday, September 23, 2026
People in British Columbia are urged to continue conserving water through the fall and winter while preparing for flooding and other hazards, as persistent drought and more intense storms create risks throughout the province.
Though recent rainfall provided local relief, in some regions it has not been enough to reverse drought conditions that have persisted for the past several years. These conditions and water-scarcity risks are ongoing and in many parts of B.C. are expected to continue through the winter and into 2027.
Drought conditions have been especially severe in parts of the southern Interior. Okanagan Lake is currently at its lowest level recorded for this time of year in more than 80 years, while the basin remains under severe drought and high water-scarcity conditions.
It will take sustained precipitation over months to support recovery from persistent drought. Winter precipitation may first be absorbed by depleted soils and groundwater before it reaches rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Forecasts suggest below-normal snowpack conditions in many regions of British Columbia this winter. Recovery may take several years because this winter’s rain and snowpack may not be enough to restore water levels. In some watersheds, water users may already be drawing down water storage that would normally help communities, agriculture, fish and wildlife, and local economies get through summer 2027.
The Province is encouraging all water users, including residents, businesses, industries, farms, water suppliers, local governments and First Nations, to continue conservation measures and plan ahead.
The Province is working with First Nations, local government, water suppliers, industry and farmers to respond to drought conditions and water-scarcity risks. Significant, targeted investments, including the $100-million Watershed Security Fund, are helping secure clean, reliable water that stays on the land base for the benefit of future generations. Since 2023, the Province has invested $120 million in the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program and supported more than 700 projects to help build or improve water storage and supply systems for irrigation and livestock in water-scarce and drought-prone areas.
While many parts of B.C. remain in severe drought, communities must also be prepared for flooding this fall and winter as a watershed can remain in drought and still experience flooding. Longer dry periods can be followed by intense rainfall, and recent wildfires can also change how watersheds respond to storms. Communities in and below burned watersheds may face increased risks of flooding, debris flows, landslides, erosion and sediment movement during heavy rainfall.
The Province continues to work with First Nations, local governments, emergency-management partners and communities to prepare for flood risks as well as ongoing drought and water-scarcity challenges in the months ahead. The River Forecast Centre monitors conditions and issues advisories and warnings when warranted, while provincial work continues on flood-risk mapping, forecasting, monitoring, early-warning systems and community preparedness.
In addition, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness maintains flood assets that can be deployed 24/7 to support communities, including:
- 4.8 million sandbags
- 37 km of water dams
- 17 km of gabion baskets
- 15 sandbag machines
These efforts support B.C.’s work to help communities prepare for changing water conditions, adapt to climate-related hazards and build long-term resilience.
Featured image: (BC Government)
