Due to the lack of rainfall and the dry conditions the Province moved all of Vancouver Island to Drought Level 5 on July 13, 2023.

B.C. uses a 0-5 scale to measure the severity of drought in the province, Drought Level 5 is the most severe. At Drought Level 5, adverse impacts are almost certain. Drought can affect people in different ways, resulting in agricultural, health, economic and environmental consequences.

The CVRD remains at Stage 3 Water Restrictions (Burnum, Shellwood, and Dogwood Ridge systems – Stage 4 water restrictions). Residents and businesses are to conserve water as much as possible and follow Stage 3 water restrictions.

CVRD Water Restrictions: https://cvrdnewnormalcowichan.ca/water-use-restrictions/

Read BC Gov update: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0051-001211