Drought preparation and response

• Take shorter showers (5 minutes or less) – shortening by one minute saves up to 2,700 litres a year
• Turn off the tap when brushing or shaving – save up to 8,300 litres a year
• Fix leaky toilets – save up to 350,000 litres per year
• Skip the car wash – save up to 260 litres per vehicle
• Run full loads of laundry – save up to 200 litres per load
• Fill the sink if washing by hand
• Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap

• Follow local water restrictions or water use rules – many regions already have outdoor watering restrictions
• If allowed, water your lawn only once a week – save 37,600 litres a month 
  • Lawns only need 1 inch of water per week
  • Water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Collect rainwater or reuse grey water for outdoor plant use
• Plant drought tolerant yards and gardens
• Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose
• Check all plumbing and hoses for leaks
• Use a water-saving pool filter

• Follow:
  • Local water restrictions or water use rules  
  • Water licensee rights and obligations 
  • BC Energy Regulator directives
  • Temporary Protection Orders 
• Review essential water use
• Reduce non-essential water use
• Maximize water system efficiency
• Recycle water used in industrial operations
• Use water efficient methods and equipment
• Check all plumbing for leaks
• Maintain landscaping with gray water
• Install a water recirculating system 
• Conduct a water audit
• Monitor water usage
• Implement water saving policies
• Install low flow devices
• Upgrade to water conserving fixtures for industrial use
• Replace high-volume hoses with high-pressure, low-volume cleaning systems
• Encourage employees to adopt water-saving behaviours 

To ask questions and get more information on water licenses or temporary protection orders, contact the FrontCounter BC office in your region.

• BC Hydro provides Energy Saving Kits (which include water saving aerators) and Free Portable Air Conditioners for income qualified households
• BC Hydro also provides Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates for eligible homes

Abbotsford and Mission

• Abbotsford and Mission residents can get a free Irrigation and Landscape Assessment

​City of Chilliwack

• City of Chilliwack offers several incentives to residents, including the Ugliest Lawn Contest, low-flow toilet rebates, rain barrel rebates, and subsidized outdoor water conservation kits

City of Coquitlam

• The City of Coquitlam offer low-cost sales of water wise tools such as rain barrels and electric water timers and a rebate tax credit program for upgrading toilets

Delta

• Delta single-family homeowners can sign up for the Voluntary Water Meter Program that promotes a user-pay system, as opposed to a flat rate fee, which encourages conservation

City of Port Coquitlam

• The City of Port Coquitlam is offering incentives to residents who let their lawn go gold. Rewards are available for the golden street and three golden lawns

Maple Ridge

• Maple Ridge homeowners can receive a tax credit for switching to more water-efficient toilets

Richmond

• Richmond homeowners can receive a utility rebate for installing a low-flush toilet

Mackenzie

• Mackenzie residents can receive rebates for upgrading toilets, washing machines and dishwashers to be low-flow and more efficient

Prince George

• Prince George residents can sign up for the Voluntary Residential Water Meter Program that allows residents to accurately track water use, conservate water and save money by only paying for what you use

Williams Lake

• Williams Lake offers appliance rebates for upgrading toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers to be low-flow and more efficient

Okanagan Basin Water Board

• Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant

Kelowna

• The City of Kelowna Smart Water Program offers rebates for people living in single-family dwellings and strata complexes for updating irrigated landscape areas on water use efficiency 

Peachland

• The Peachland Green Credits Policy provides water consumption costs credits for irrigation water food producers with properties between one-half and two acres in size 

Comox Valley Regional District

• The Comox Valley Regional District Water Conservation Rebates are available for use water from the Comox Valley Water System more efficiently through irrigation or soil

Regional District of Nanaimo

• The Regional District of Nanaimo Water Conservation rebates offers rebates and incentives for irrigation upgrades, rainwater harvesting, wellhead upgrades, well water testing and septic upgrades 

Sunshine Coast Regional District

• The Sunshine Coast Regional District Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program offers rebates for installing rainwater storage systems to capture and use water for outdoor water use

City of Campbell River

• The City of Campell River Water Conservation Rebate Initiative offers rebates for upgrading toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers to be low-flow and more efficient

City of Victoria

• The City of Victoria offers Rainwater Rewards credits and rebates for people to efficiently manage rainwater on their property

Capital Regional District

• The Capital Regional District industrial commercial institutional water efficiency programs offers rebates for businesses to install once-through cooled equipment (air conditioners, refrigerators, coolers, and ice machines, free aerators on all hand wash sinks, free water-use and efficiency audits

Galiano Island

• The Galiano Conservancy Association Water Conservation Rebate Program offers residents rebates on water metres and rainwater barrels

Town of Ladysmith

• The Town of Ladysmith offers rebates for residents purchasing rain barrels

• Drought can cause low stream flows and warm water conditions. This makes fish, especially cold-water species like trout, salmon and steelhead, more vulnerable to low oxygen levels and disease
• Fish are critical to keeping our environment healthy. Fish also hold important cultural value for many Indigenous peoples and contribute to food security for many communities
• During drought, actions may be taken to protect vulnerable fish and watersheds from long-lasting harm that could take generations to recover, including: 
  • Temporary Protection Orders to reduce or stop non-domestic water use 
  • Angling limits may restrict recreational fishing in some areas as conditions make it harder for released fish to recover 

• Due to the impacts of drought, bears may enter urban areas in search of food. Often, that new food source is garbage or birdfeeders. Discourage bears by cleaning up, storing, and securing your garbage. For more bear safety tips, visit WildSafeBC.com
• If you encounter a bear in an urban area, give it space. If a bear displays aggressive or confrontational behaviour, contact the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277

• Trees near sidewalks and on public spaces or boulevards are important to the health of cities. They provide shade and cooling during extreme heat
• Communities will continue watering urban trees. Consider helping by using recycled water to water a tree near your home or business. To report a tree in distress – one that has leaves that are light-coloured, small, or are hanging down unusually – please contact your local government or First Nations

• Drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires. It's easier for lightning and strong winds to start wildfires. Hot and dry weather allows fire to spread faster and burn longer
• Be fire smart and do your part to prevent wildfires. Follow all fire bans and restrictions
• Wildfire crews can continue using water to fight fires if water restrictions are in place

• Drought can reduce crop growth and quality, leading to smaller harvests
• That is why we’re helping farmers and food producers prepare for drought by building more water storage on farms, planting more drought resistant and water efficient crops, and providing support and resources

• Drought can impact water supply, affect water quality and reduce water pressure
• If drought threatens a community’s water supply, emergency supplies will be provided to protect public health and safety

• Many resources and supports are available to farmers and food producers experiencing drought, including: 
  • Insurance and financial assistance to recover losses 
  • Health and wellness resources to help reduce stress and improve well-being 
  • Guides for managing crops and livestock during drought 
• Drought Information Portal shows the drought level classification in B.C.’s 34 water basins. Local conditions within each basin may vary depending on water storage, supply and demand. 
• Agriculture Water Calculator helps farmers estimate the annual irrigation or livestock water requirements for a farm or ranch. 
• 2024 Quick Guide to Drought Resources (PDF) 

• Online and in-person workshops and on-farm demonstrations are being held across the province to help farmers and food producers prepare for drought. Learn about new ways to save water and how to access supports and resources
• Find a session near you or watch a recording

• The program supports farmers and ranchers experiencing drought and feed shortages by matching producers to available feed supplies.
• Contact the BC Cattlemen’s Association for more info

• IAF delivers a variety of funding programs supporting BC’s agriculture and agrifood sector.
• Find out how to apply

• Farmers and food producers can apply for infrastructure funding to better manage, collect, transport and store water for agriculture and irrigation purposes
• Find out how to apply (applications open in May)

• Growers can apply for funding to remove, replace and plant more climate hardy crops such as apples, cherries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries and hazelnuts
• Find out how to apply 

• Agriculture and seafood producers and processors can access programs and funding to support their businesses.
• Find out how to apply 

• Industry experts are ready to help farmers and food producers who need support  
  • Contact your local industry association or
  • Call the AgriService BC line Monday to Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at 1-888-221-7141

• Drought Information Portal shows the drought level classification in B.C.’s 34 water basins. Local conditions within each basin may vary depending on water storage, supply and demand. 
• Water Conservation Calculator helps local governments and First Nations understand how specific conservation measures can be used to both save water and financial resources. 
• Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan – helps communities develop resources and respond to local conditions. 
• Community emergency preparedness resources are available to help identify, mitigate and prepare for drought and other disaster risks. 

• Local governments can support drought management through data collection, program and information delivery, emergency response and other tools and strategies.
• Find out more

• Various grant programs are available for communities to improve drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, protect coastal waters, and reduce the impacts of drought.

• We’re in the process of co-developing a Watershed Security Strategy with First Nations to ensure all communities in B.C. can access safe, clean water for generations.  
  • Read the intention paper and what we heard report 
• The Watershed Security Fund and Healthy Watersheds Initiative supports projects that restore, protect and monitor watersheds across the province. 
  • See list of current watershed projects

• B.C. is working with partners to fund projects that: 
  • protect and restore salmon and other priority wild fish 
  • rebuild fish habitats 
  • support sustainable fisheries and fishing practices 
  • provides emergency interventions to protect salmon during drought 
• BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund 
• Wild salmon recovery investment 

• A reimbursement program for First Nations and local governments for the transportation of alternate drinking water is available. If required, First Nations and local governments should contact their provincial regional emergency coordination centre.
• If a community experiences a severe water shortage, an emergency response will be activated
• If required, communities can be reimbursed for transporting alternate drinking water and desalinization units. Contact your provincial regional emergency coordination centre

• Water conservation tourism industry toolkit has tips to help resorts, restaurants and other tourism industry partners save water

• To discuss preparedness planning or to get help, contact your local Emergency Management and Climate Readiness regional office
• For questions about governance during severe drought, local government representatives can contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Local Government Division