The Coldwater River is facing high drought conditions, causing the Province to mark it as Drought Level 4.
Drought Level 4 means ‘extremely dry’. The Merritt watershed is the only place in BC that currently sits at Level 4, while the only area in the Province that even has reached Level 3 is Eastern Vancouver Island.
Judging by an online interactive map of drought regions, the section of the river running from about Brookmere into Merritt is in ‘critical conservation concerns.’
The Coldwater was placed at Level 3 on Aug. 19, while being upgraded to Level 4 on Thursday.
Watering restrictions were put into place in the City of Merritt in late August, limiting citizens to one day a week for watering.
“Water conservation is everyone’s responsibility,” reads a BC press release. “Maximum water conservation is being urged for all areas where low flows are approaching a critical environmental flow threshold for ecosystems and fish. Residential, agricultural and industrial water users in areas affected by drought should observe all water conservation bylaws, watering restrictions and advice from their local government, irrigation district or water utility.”
General water conservation tips:
At home:
* Limit outdoor watering.
* Do not water during the heat of the day or when it is windy.
* Consider planting drought-tolerant vegetation.
* Take shorter showers.
* Do not leave taps running.
* Install water-efficient showerheads, taps and toilets.
On the farm:
* Implement an irrigation scheduling program using real-time weather data.
* Schedule irrigation to match crop needs and soil storage capacity.
* Improve water system efficiencies and check for leaks.
* Focus on high-value crops and livestock.
Industry:
* Reduce non-essential water use.
* Recycle water used in industrial operations.
* Use water-efficient methods and equipment.
