Category: Uncategorized

Drought Levels return to normal

After another summer of drought in the Cowichan region, drought levels have finally returned to normal conditions (Drought Level 0). Stage 1 water restrictions remain in effect until Oct. 31.

Reduction in Drought Level triggers easing of Water Restrictions

Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have led the Province to lower the Drought Level across Vancouver Island including the Cowichan Region. East Vancouver Island, where all of our community water systems are located, is now at Drought Level 3 – Severely Dry. This triggers an easing of water use restrictions… Read more

Celebrating Water Festival 2024

Join the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society for a day play, learning, tours and fun challenges. This year’s theme is “Weir All Connected”. Saturday, July 20, 10am to 2 pm in Saywell Park. Lake Cowichan. Weir Celebrating Water! The Koksilah Low Flow Working Group, a collaboration of government, industry,… Read more

Memory Island Provincial Park Cleared of Scotch Broom

Shawnigan Lake, BC: Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Parks & Trails volunteers along with BC Parks staff, and student BC Park Rangers, worked together this June to clear Memory Island Provincial Park of invasive Scotch broom. The small island located within Shawnigan Lake is a Provincial Park that is cooperatively… Read more

Stage 3 Watering Restrictions begin Friday

The ongoing hot and dry conditions in the Cowichan Valley are leading to increasing pressures on our water sources. To ensure there is adequate supply for both human and environmental needs, the Province is urging all residents and local governments to conserve water. Stage 3 Watering Restrictions will be in place… Read more

Stage 2 Water Restrictions Begin June 14

All CVRD and municipal water systems will move to Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions effective Friday, June. 14, 2019. The increased restrictions are in response to the Level 3 (Very Dry) Drought conditions and the province’s call for a 30% reduction in water consumption. The CVRD and partners are moving… Read more

Drought Level 3 in the Cowichan

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… Read more

Level 3 Drought Leads to further Water Restrictions

The hot, dry weather this summer has lead to Level 3 (Very Dry) Drought conditions for much of the province, including the Cowichan Region. This is the second highest level of drought and calls for voluntary 30% reductions in water use. The Koksilah and Chemainus Rivers are at critically low… Read more

Flood Warning

The River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Warning for the Cowichan, Koksilah, and Chemainus Rivers. This is the highest level of advisory and means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result. As of… Read more

High Streamflow Advisory for Southern Vancouver Island

The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a High Streamflow Advisory for Southern Vancouver Island including the Cowichan, Koksilah, and Chemainus Rivers.  Rainfall of 100-150mm is likely between Tuesday and Thursday and warm temperatures could lead to snowmelt.  River levels are expected to peak Wednesday or Thursday at levels similar to those… Read more