Dawson Creek applies for permit to lay hoses along highway corridors amid water crisis

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek is preparing an emergency short-term water plan to transport extra supplies alongside the highway. 

The measure comes due to concerns about the Kiskatinaw River freezing and limiting water access.

The City of Dawson Creek outlined the plan in a community update on November 19th, which involves temporarily transferring water from the Peace River by laying flat hoses stretching along highway corridors. 

This solution, supported by the province, requires a short-term water use permit, which the city has applied for. If needed, pumping could start in early 2026, according to the City of Dawson Creek.

In October, the city declared a state of local emergency (SOLE) due to record-low water levels in the Kiskatinaw River, its sole water source since 1942. 

The declaration enabled access to provincial support and emergency measures as drought conditions placed pressure on the city’s reservoirs.

Dawson Creek’s reservoirs have improved from an estimated 150 to 180 days of supply due to recent snowfall. However, stage three water restrictions remain in effect, which were first enacted in September.

This all comes as Dawson Creek is pursuing a new long-term water supply system after years of challenges with the Kiskatinaw River.