Dawson Creek renews emergency state amid continued water concerns
The City of Dawson Creek has renewed its state of local emergency as concerns continue about water levels on the Kiskatinaw River.
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Dawson Creek has renewed its state of local emergency over continuing drought concerns.
In a November 26th update, the City of Dawson Creek announced the renewal of the state of local emergency (SOLE) until December 9th.
The decision was made to “keep responsive tools active during the drought,” according to the city.
“The SOLE allows the city to act quickly, including securing water access, coordinating emergency plans and mobilizing resources as river conditions change,” the update stated.
The SOLE was first declared in October, and then extended on November 13th to last until November 25th, after concerns were raised about the impacts multiple years of drought have had on the Kiskatinaw River, the city’s sole water source since 1942.
In September, the Kiskatinaw River only had 150 days of water supply left. Since then the situation has only mildly improved, to 180 days.
In its most recent extension announcement, the city confirmed an emergency plan was in place if needed, having applied for a permit to lay hoses along highway corridors to transfer water from the Peace River.
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“Currently, we are still able to pump from the Kiskatinaw River and maintain reservoir storage levels,” the city stated.
Amid the renewal of the SOLE, the city will continue to observe ‘stage three’ water conservation measures. These include restrictions on hauling potable water for non-potable uses. Residents, businesses and contractors are also reminded and encouraged to limit water consumption to essential needs only.
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