Special Bulletin

Request for water users in the Similkameen Basin

This special bulletin provides an update on drought conditions and water levels in the Similkameen Basin only

Overview

Streamflows in watersheds across the Similkameen basin are very low for this time of year and are dropping towards levels that put fish and the health of streams at risk. In response, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is sending letters to provincially licensed water users across the region, except domestic users, asking them to save water and cut back their water use voluntarily, in hopes of slowing the decline in flows. These requests usually go to water users in just one watershed, but because of widespread water scarcity conditions that continue to worsen across the entire Similkameen basin, water users in the wider area are being asked to reduce their use. Many local governments supplying water in the region have also implemented voluntary or mandatory water use restrictions, which do include domestic users.

When individuals and communities conserve water, streamflows can recover. Conservation may also help delay or prevent the need for further regulatory action by the Province.

What are the current conditions in Similkameen?

• As of July 28, 2026 the Similkameen basin is now at drought level 4, and monitored streams in the basin are at very low flows for this time of year. Please note provincial drought basins cover large areas, so drought levels may not always reflect conditions in your local watershed.
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• Streamflows are dropping fast, and both flows and temperatures are nearing levels that can harm fish (for example, conditions can lead to reduced growth and delayed migration) and the proper functioning of aquatic ecosystems. This harm can be serious and potentially permanent for both the fish populations and the ecosystems that support them.

Figure 1. 7-Day Average Streamflow Percentiles in the Similkameen Watershed as of July 28, 2026

Figure 1 above shows monitored streams across the Similkameen water basin on July 28. Each marker represents a hydrometric station that is coloured to show that stream's flow percentile (i.e., how its current flow compares to the previous recorded flow at this time of year in the past). Orange, red and maroon mean that flows are getting close to the lowest level recorded for this time of year. Without significant rainfall or reduction in water use, streams across the Similkameen may fall to levels that can harm fish and their habitat.

Where can I find more information about drought and drought levels?

For more information on B.C.’s drought and water scarcity levels, corresponding impacts and general response actions, visit the BC Drought Information Portal.

What actions are being taken by the Province in the Similkameen?

• Because streamflows are so low and fish habitat is under stress across the Similkameen water basin, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is sending letters to water users asking them to voluntarily use less water.
   
• If you hold a surface or groundwater licence in the Similkameen basin, you may receive a voluntary water use reduction letter in the mail or by email sometime in the coming weeks.
   
• When licence holders cut back their water use in sensitive watersheds, it can have a considerable positive impact on streamflows – individuals and communities can play a key role in delaying or even preventing the need for further regulatory actions.
   
• If stream conditions keep getting worse with the hot, dry weather and current water demand, provincial government staff from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship may need to recommend stronger steps to protect fish and aquatic ecosystems, such as Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs). Visit the Water Use During Scarcity webpage about the tools the Province may use to address water scarcity.
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• More information on understanding drought and water scarcity can be found here: Drought Information.

What can agricultural water users do in response to the current drought conditions?

Efforts by all water users, including agricultural users, can help to delay or even prevent the need for further management actions. Farmers can:

• Use efficient irrigation techniques to lower water demand. Keep your system in good shape by regularly maintaining and repairing it to make sure it is operating efficiently (check for leaks, inspect nozzles often, and apply water wisely).
   
• Monitor crop and soil conditions, prioritize irrigating crops at critical growth stages, reduce how much of your acreage is irrigated where possible. Coordinate irrigation timing and schedules with other water users to reduce peak demands. This eases pressure on local water sources. For example, some users in the watershed are using soil moisture meters to optimize water application based on crop need.
   
• If you hold a storage licence, use your stored water instead of taking straight from streams and wells.
   
• Apply for an interim AgriStability payment of up to 75% if you are enrolled for the 2026 Program Year. Producers who are not currently enrolled for the AgriStability 2026 Program Year are now able to enroll as a Late Participant. For support with an AgriStability claim, enrollment, or questions please call 1-877-343-2767 or email AgriStability@gov.bc.ca.
   
• Contact your Production Insurance office and file a claim if you purchased coverage for the 2026 crop year.
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• Watch for and join provincial townhalls about current drought conditions. Find upcoming events, like townhalls, workshops and field days, at the AgriService BC Events page.

Will agricultural producers lose their Farm Class status for not meeting the income threshold due to water restrictions?

• A single year of reduced farm income caused by drought or other extraordinary events does not automatically result in the loss of Farm Class status. Farmers must earn a minimum amount of income from their farm operation in at least one of two reporting periods and make a sale of some qualifying agricultural product in every reporting period. So, if a producer cannot meet their threshold this year because of water restrictions, they would need to meet the threshold next year.
   
• BC Assessment cares most that the land is still being used for agricultural purposes, even if the income threshold for Farm Class status cannot be met. Producers should contact BC Assessment for advice about their individual circumstances.
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• The Classification of Land as a Farm Regulation includes an Exceptional Circumstances provision that allows sales or production requirements to be waived when events, including natural disasters, beyond a farm operator's control make compliance impossible to meet.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

• Find information and resources on drought and water management to help prepare for and respond to drought conditions at the Drought in Agriculture webpage (gov.bc.ca/AgDrought).
   
• Please contact AgriService BC at AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca or 1-888-221-7141 for questions about supports for agriculture.
   
• For information on water licensing and rights, water concerns in your area, or provincial drought response measures (e.g., letters requesting voluntary water use reductions and water-related orders), please contact DroughtOps@gov.bc.ca.
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• For information on Farm Class status, please visit BC Assessment (bcassessment.ca) or contact their office in your region (info.bcassessment.ca/contact-us).

 AgriserviceBC Website