The dry spring has led to drought conditions in the Cowichan Region. An analysis of snowpack, rainfall, and river levels has shown that we are now at Drought Level 3 – Very Dry conditions. A below average snowpack has completely melted, spring rainfall was less than half of normal across much of the region, and rivers and creeks are at a fraction of normal flows for this time of year. Stage 1 watering restrictions are in effect across the region, with Stage 2 restrictions coming soon. Check out the DroughtSmart page for tips on conserving water around the home and to keep up to date on current drought conditions and watering restrictions.

The early start to another summer drought is a strong indication of our changing climate as we are entering our 4th drought year since 2015.

For more details on how the drought level is calculated, see this memo.