East Vancouver Island’s drought level has risen to two, up from one last week, according to the B.C. government’s latest Drought and Water Scarcity Bulletin.
Level five is the most severe. The Sunshine Coast remains at level one, while west Vancouver Island is at level zero, indicating normal or wetter-than-normal conditions.
The bulletin says continued warm, dry weather is increasing water deficits across the South Coast, with streamflows remaining below normal because of a lack of rainfall.
Stage 3 water restrictions remain in place in several communities in southeast Vancouver Island as reservoir levels continue to decline.
The report warns Arrowsmith Reservoir near Parksville could face increasing challenges meeting community water needs and supporting aquatic ecosystems without substantial rainfall.
Flows in the Englishman River, which receives releases from the reservoir, have remained below levels considered optimal for salmon since early July.
Cooler, unsettled weather is expected over the weekend and could bring some rain to Vancouver Island.
