B.C. Reissues Water Order to Protect Spawning Salmon

The British Columbia government has renewed a temporary protection order for the Salmon River watershed, a crucial area for chinook salmon returning to spawn. This measure is intended to maintain adequate water levels in the river, which are currently threatened by drought and low streamflow, posing a risk to fish survival.

Technical staff have been monitoring the situation closely. A prior order, issued on July 28, was rescinded on August 8, partly due to increased wildfire concerns affecting farmers and ranchers. With over 200 endangered chinook salmon now present in the watershed at a critical point in their life cycle, the new order is deemed necessary.

The current order requires 458 surface and groundwater licence holders, as well as transitioning groundwater users, to cease water use for irrigating forage crops, lawns, fairways, and for garden industrial purposes. Affected parties will be directly notified with a copy of the order.

Provincial staff will continue to monitor streamflow, fish populations, and overall watershed conditions. The protection order will be lifted as soon as conditions improve enough to support fish populations and essential environmental flows. The Water Sustainability Act does permit water usage for firefighting purposes within the protected area.

Support programs are available for farmers facing crop loss due to drought. The Ministry of Agriculture is providing resources and information to address their concerns and potential claims.