Dawson Creek Extends State of Emergency Amid Water Crisis

URGENT UPDATE: The City of Dawson Creek, B.C., has officially extended its State of Local Emergency due to a critical shortage of potable water, now set to remain in effect until November 25, 2023. This decision comes after the city first declared the emergency last month in response to a severe drought that has dramatically diminished its water supply.

City officials confirmed that the Kiskatinaw River, Dawson Creek’s sole water source since 1942, is currently at record-low levels. Mayor Darcy Dober emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re taking short-term emergency steps to secure water for this winter and long-term infrastructure steps to ensure we never face this situation again.”

The city’s water reservoirs, which provide approximately 150 days of storage, are becoming increasingly strained as fluctuating river levels complicate water extraction efforts. Authorities are focused on managing the pumping operations to maximize available water from the river while it remains accessible.

Dawson Creek is currently under Stage 3 Water Conservation measures, which strictly prohibit the hauling of potable water for non-potable uses. Residents, businesses, and contractors are urged to limit water consumption to essential needs only. This restriction is deemed crucial to ensure that the remaining water supply can adequately meet critical community demands, including drinking water, sanitation, and fire protection.

As the situation develops, the city is committed to transparency and has encouraged residents to stay informed by subscribing to updates at dawsoncreek.ca/subscribe. The local community is being reminded of the seriousness of this emergency, as the potential for water shortages looms larger with each passing day.

With the drought impacting the region for multiple consecutive years, Dawson Creek’s reliance on stored water is becoming increasingly precarious. City officials are prioritizing immediate actions to secure water access, while also planning for long-term solutions to prevent future crises.

Stay tuned for more updates as Dawson Creek navigates this urgent water supply situation. The community’s resilience is being tested, and officials are urging everyone to cooperate with conservation efforts to safeguard their vital resources.