VANCOUVER - Rivers and streams in the B.C. Southern Interior are experiencing extremely low water flows, which is adversely affecting salmon and freshwater fish, and may lead to high fish mortalities. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is, therefore, reminding the public that careful and responsible water use is crucial to ensure sufficient water to meet the needs of people and fish. 

Water levels in some Southern Interior streams are at record lows, according to monitoring by the B.C. government. The current conditions are the result of very low rainfall and near-record hot weather during the past four to six weeks, as well as a below-normal winter snowpack. 

Heavy water use contributes to low water flows and high water temperatures in rivers and streams, which increases stress and mortality in salmon returning to spawn and can expose physical barriers preventing fish from reaching spawning grounds. These conditions can also increase mortalities among young salmon and trout rearing in streams. 

Areas affected by low flows extend through the Southern Interior, including the Thompson/Nicola, Shuswap, Okanagan and Kootenays. Based on existing conditions and long-range forecasts, this serious water conservation concern will likely extend into the fall. 

The Upper Fraser River - including the mainstem near Prince George, the Horsefly and Quesnel rivers - and the Bulkley River in the Skeena River watershed are other areas of low water flow. 

To reduce the impact on salmon and other fish, Fisheries and Oceans is urging all water users to voluntarily conserve limited water supplies. The Department is also working with the livestock and agriculture industries, community stewardship groups and provincial and municipal agencies asking for their assistance.

Contact:

Thompson/ Okanagan/ Shuswap
Dean Watts
Water Use Biologist
(250) 851-4861

Columbia
Tola Coopper
Habitat Biologist
(250) 352-0895

Upper Fraser
Byron Nutton
Habitat Biologist
(250) 561-5532