BC Government News Release: People, Businesses Urged to Conserve Water as Drought Risks Increase

The Province is urging people in British Columbia to conserve water over the coming weeks as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions.

“Saving water and responding to drought is a shared responsibility, and we know that early action can make a big difference, especially when we work together,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “The Province is doing our part to ensure communities and farmers are prepared, and we are working with large water users to reduce their water use. This is especially critical in high-risk watersheds that support fish populations or are at risk of long-term harm.”

Voluntary reduction and water-conservation measures and changes in weather, including significant rainfall, can play a critical role in maintaining stream flows. In some B.C. communities, residential water use makes up as much as 70% of total use during the summer months, which is why even small changes at home can make a big difference. That might look like:

• watering your lawn less often or switching to drought-tolerant plants;
• using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways or patios;
• turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes; or
• fixing leaky faucets, which can waste hundreds of litres over time.

Read the full release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025WLRS0021-000672