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Okanagan’s drought rating goes up to Level 4; angling suspended

Basin Map of Hydrologic Drought Levels.
Basin Map of Hydrologic Drought Levels. Courtesy: Ministry of Lands, Forests and Natural Resource Operations

OKANAGAN — The provincial government is urging people in the Okanagan to conserve water as it increases the region’s drought level rating.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is taking the additional action of suspending angling on the Okanagan River (main-stem only) between Okanagan Lake and Osoyoos Lake, as a result of warming water temperatures. This is in effect until September 30.

A Level 4 drought rating means conditions are extremely dry. Any further declines in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead to water shortages, impacting people and industries such as agriculture, wildlife and fish stocks.

This is the highest drought level rating and could signal that regional water managers may take further regulatory actions.

The government urges all water users to observe local water conservation bylaws in helping to prolong water supplies and to maintain flows for fish and ecosystems.

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For water conservation tips, click here.

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