Dawson Creek ends drought ‘state of local emergency’ after water stores deemed enough for spring

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The City of Dawson Creek has ended its ‘state of local emergency’ (SOLE) because it believes its water supply will last through the spring. 

In a news release on February 20th, the city said the decision followed a review by its emergency operations team. 

Dawson Creek says it now has over 170 days of water in storage, which is now “enough to carry the community through the spring season,” according to the release.

The city first declared SOLE back in October 2025, due to the Kiskatinaw River being at record-low levels amid years of drought in the area. It has been Dawson Creek’s sole water source since 1942.

The measure, which helped Dawson Creek coordinate emergency response plans and mobilize resources if the river ran completely dry, was extended in November, December and January.

In the meantime, it is pursuing a new permanent water source in the Peace River. 

Residents in Dawson Creek are still required to observe stage three water conservation restrictions.

These mean people cannot haul bulk water for non-potable use in hydraulic fracturing operations in oil and gas industries, refill hot tubs and more.

The release says the city is anticipating another dry, hot summer. More details are available at the City of Dawson Creek’s website.