VICTORIA - Water levels in the southern half of the province are lower than normal and Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray is reminding British Columbians of steps they can take to conserve water in their homes.

"I am asking British Columbians to think about the steps they can take to reduce the amount of water they consume in their homes," said Murray. "This year, the southern half of the province faces one of the driest summers on record and we must all take steps to conserve water during this driest point in the year."

The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection works with communities and with the federal government to monitor stream flows, lake and reservoir levels, groundwater levels and water quality across the province.

"Water is perceived to be infinitely plentiful ­ we turn on the tap and it is there," said Murray. "But water is not infinite. We cannot take such an essential element for granted and we need to ensure we have adequate water supplies for our communities, for people and for our fish and wildlife."

For more suggestions and other information on water conservation, visit the ministry's water conservation web site at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wat/.   

Contact:

Liz Bicknell
Communications Director
250 387-9973