WATCH: The drought level has been raised to its highest rating in more regions today. Jeremy Hunka explains what prompted the drought rating to be raised.
Metro Vancouver’s recent sprinkling of rain hasn’t done much to change the region’s drought level.
The provincial government announced a Level 4 drought rating today, the highest in their system.
“Further declines in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages and affect people, industry such as agriculture, wildlife, and fish stocks,” they said in a statement.
“All water users are urged to maximize their water conservation efforts.”
While the new level allows regional districts to increase water restrictions, including the temporary suspension of short-term water approvals or licenses, Metro Vancouver says at this point they will continue with stage two restrictions.
The provincial government also says no rivers will be closed in the South Coast to fishing at this time, but they are monitoring approximately 60 streams across the province.
However, the situation is different in the Interior, where a Level 3 rating was put in place today for the South Thompson, Nicola, Similkameen, Okanagan-Kettle and Skagit regions.
The government has said all streams and rivers in the Similkameen drainage, Kettle River and West Kettle river will be closed to angling, along with all tributary streams.
“The closure has been put in place to protect fish stocks at a time when they are vulnerable due to low flows and high water temperatures,” said the government, adding that lake fishing is not affected.
MAP: Areas where river fishing has been affected
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