The latest report on the lack of snowpack in the B.C. mountains has some experts worried the province will be facing another severe drought this spring and summer, similar or worse than 2023, which turned into the worst wildfire season in B.C.'s history. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

decimated snowpack

‘That’s not going to last:’ high river flows in Nanaimo region doing little to ease water concerns

Feb 13, 2024 | 5:23 AM

NANAIMO — While it’s still early in the year, preparations are already underway for another spring and summer of drought conditions.

According to the BC River Forecast Centre, Vancouver Island currently sits at just 30 per cent of its normal snowpack for this time of year, the lowest such reading in the province. Averages across B.C. are around 61 per cent of normal.

Regional District of Nanaimo manager of water services Murray Walters said conservation is always top-of-mind, as we’re facing similar or potentially worse drought conditions than the last two years.

“We have the ability to restrict outdoor watering in the summer by bylaw, people would think of that as going to stage four watering restrictions which we have done in both of the last two years, and I would say we’re poised to get back there again.”

He said they rely on groundwater from the nine water systems for their potable supply, but humans aren’t the only ones.

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“That same groundwater you’re trying to use when all the snow is melted, is the same groundwater that’s keeping a little bit of water flowing the creeks and streams of the region…we also have to realize that there is all sorts of other aquatic life that’s relying on that groundwater to keep a little bit of flow.”

While RDN residents rely on groundwater, nearby communities like the City of Nanaimo have a “very robust storage capacity”, relying on large water reservoirs and watersheds, which makes water conservation standards differ from towns and cities to the RDN, according to Walters.

The RDN implemented stage two water restrictions at the end of April last year, quickly increasing to stage four by the start of July, during what turned out to be the worst wildfire season on record for B.C.

Walters said in a typical year, stage four restrictions wouldn’t be put in place until later in the summer, if at all.

Mid-Island streams, like the Millstone River near Nanaimo’s German Cultural Centre, are almost overflowing thanks to recent rain and warm temperatures. Experts worry about how a lack of mountain snow will affect these bodies of water in the spring and summer. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

He said while the water level in their aquifers was not partially low, they still took action as the provincial markers for drought and water restriction were met.

“…not because there was a cue that we were short of water for our residents, but because it was really obvious that the creek and streams were short of water. That’s one of our earliest indications that we need to really conserve.”

He said the RDN also stepped up their leak detection last year, making sure the water systems they operate as well as in resident’s homes aren’t leaking, which can also avoid a costly utility bill in addition to preserving water.

While Walters said water levels in mid-Island creeks and streams are currently normal or above normal, the impact from the lack of snow won’t be felt until later in the year.

“That’s what keeps all the environmental flows running in the creeks and streams and stuff. Right now, it’s too early to say. There’s a lot of water in the creeks and streams around, but with no snow, we know that’s not going to last.”

More information on what the RDN does to protect the region’s water resources can be found here on their website.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow