BC municipality running out of water

On Oct. 14, the City of Dawson Creek declared a state of local emergency (SOLE) in response to their ongoing drought, which has significantly reduced the Dawson Creek’s potable and drinking water supply.

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City officials underline the state of emergency does not mean the City is out of water – it means the City is acting now to prevent the city from running out of water.

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The emergency declaration allows the City to access additional resources and support from the Province of British Columbia as it works to secure a temporary supplemental water source and protect essential services.

“Our water supply can no longer meet community needs without emergency action,” said Mayor Darcy Dober Tuesday in a statement.

“This declaration ensures we can act quickly to protect residents, businesses, and essential services while we continue our long-term work toward a new, sustainable water supply.”

The Kiskatinaw River has been Dawson Creek’s only water source since 1942. It sits at record-low levels after multiple consecutive years of drought. The municipality is at risk of relying solely on stored water in its reservoirs, which provide approximately 150 days of storage. With fluctuating river levels, the City will continue to manage pumping operations to ensure we are able to withdraw water from the river when it is available to maximize our storage.

They add the declaration does not affect the City’s long-term Water Supply System Project – a plan to provide a permanent water line and well system connecting Dawson Creek to the Peace River.

“We’re taking short-term emergency steps to secure water for this winter,” added Dober.

“And long-term infrastructure steps to make sure we never face this situation again.”

Residents in the municipality are encouraged to continue conserving water wherever possible and to visit www.dawsoncreek.ca/emergency for frequent updates regarding the SOLE.

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