The B.C. government has released its latest Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin, with data current to July 16.
The report said eastern Vancouver Island, from Campbell River to Victoria, is at Level 4 on the province’s drought classification scale, with Level 5 being the most severe.
Western Vancouver Island, including Port Hardy, Tofino and Port Renfrew, is at Level 2, while the South Coast, including the Sunshine Coast, is at Level 3.
The report said water releases from reservoir systems on Vancouver Island are continuing to balance current and future flow needs and protect salmonids.
“Flows for many rivers in the drier regions, such as the south coast and southern interior, are in sustained decline and may be the lowest on record for the time of year,” said the report.
Forecasters said dry conditions are expected to continue across southern B.C. and along the province’s entire coastline into early next week.
