Dawson Creek extends state of local emergency as water issue persists

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The city of Dawson Creek’s state of local emergency (SOLE) has been extended until late November amid dwindling water supplies. 

In October, Dawson Creek initially declared SOLE due to multiple years of drought leaving the Kiskatinaw River at record-low levels.

Last month the city had reserves in water towers lasting for only up to 180 days. 

The city has now announced the emergency state, which will help it to access support to address the issue faster, has been extended until November 25th.

It says Dawson Creek’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) team was activated in October alongside the original SOLE declaration.

Mayor of Dawson Creek Darcy Dober told This Week in the Peace earlier his month that the city is considering piping water over land from the Peace River amid the crisis.

“The EOC team is currently working on obtaining permits from various agencies, including the province of B.C., to proceed with running a temporary overland water transfer from the Peace River (a more secure water source) to the city’s current water system,” part of the release reads.

Currently, the city is continuing to observe ‘stage three’ water conservation measures. This includes a restriction on hauling potable water for non-potable uses and residents, businesses and contractors are reminded to limit water consumption to essential needs only.

The city says the restrictions “are necessary to ensure that our available water supply can continue to meet critical community demands, including drinking water, sanitation and fire protection.”

Residents can receive updates through the City of Dawson Creek’s website.