Drought

Updated on March 13, 2025

Drought 

Drought is a long period with below normal rain or snow that may result in a water shortage. It can affect the water we need to drink, grow our food, and keep our fish, animals and environment healthy. Drought can be caused by a combination of insufficient snow accumulation, hot and dry weather, or delay in rainfall. Drought can be further defined as meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, socioeconomic and ecological. Each definition implies different impacts. The Province of BC's drought response focuses on hydrological drought, described by:

  • Reduced lake storage
  • Decreased stream flow discharge
  • Lowered groundwater levels

Drought and water security in B.C. 

Drought and water scarcity can impact communities in many ways, leading to: 

  • Reduced water availability for households and businesses
  • Warmer river temperatures, affecting fish and aquatic life
  • Impacts on groundwater levels
  • Reduced crop quality and smaller harvests
  • An increase in agricultural pests

How to Prepare 

Check out the Drought Preparedness and Response resources from Government of BC. Topics covered in the brochure include: 

About drought in BC 

  • What is drought? 
  • Drought information portal
  • Local drought conditions 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Preparing for drought

  • What can you do?
  • Farmers and food producers
  • Communities and First Nations

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Saving water during drought

  • Voluntary water conservation
  • Local water restrictions
  • Temporary protection orders 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

What can you do?

  • Indoor water saving tips
  • Outdoor water saving tips
  • Business and industry water saving tips 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Rebates and incentives

  • Provincewide 
  • Lower Mainland
  • Northern BC
  • Thompson Okanagan
  • Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Impact to people and environment

  • Fish and angling limits
  • Bears in urban areas
  • Urban trees
  • Wildfires
  • Food security
  • Drinking water 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Resources for farmers and communities

  • Drought resources and financial supports
  • Drought and water management workshops
  • Access to Feed program
  • Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC
  • Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
  • Perennial Crop Renewal program
  • Agriculture and seafood programs
  • Get support 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Resources for communities

  • Community preparedness
  • Local government drought management
  • Improving water infrastructure
  • Watershed Security Strategy and Fund
  • Salmon protection and watershed restoration
  • Water reimbursement program 
  • Tourism
  • Get support 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Resources for water licensees

  • Water licensing during drought
  • Controlling unauthorized use
  • Compliance and enforcement 

Learn more Drought Preparedness and Response (Government of BC).

Get notified of an emergency in your area  

Sign up for RDN's Voyent Alert! notifications. Registration for the service is free, simple and anonymous. You can choose how you would like to receive alerts, either through a mobile app, email, text message or phone call. 

National alerts

Learn about Emergency Alerts and the National Public Alerting System | CRTC 

Useful links