Drought Levels
current conditions
Drought level: 0 - Normal
Water Restrictions: None
Warnings: None
Drought Levels
The Province uses a 6 level drought classification to describe the impacts and suggested responses to drought conditions. These levels are explained in the table below. Provincial Drought levels are reported for large water basins across the province. The Drought Level reported for East Vancouver Island represents average conditions from Victoria to north of Campbell River, but local conditions may be more severe for individual watersheds within the region.
For a full explanation of how the drought level is determined, as well as the roles and responsibilities of various levels of government in responding to drought conditions, see the British Columbia Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan.
Level | Conditions | Impacts | General Response Measures |
0 (Green) | Normal | There is sufficient water to meet socio-economic and ecosystem needs |
Preparedness Conservation |
1 (Yellow) | Dry | Adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are rare |
Preparedness Conservation |
2 (Peach) | Very Dry | Adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are unlikely |
Conservation Local water restrictions where appropriate |
3 (Orange) | Severely Dry | Adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are possible |
Conservation Local water restrictions likely |
4 (Red) | Extremely Dry | Adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely |
Conservation and local water restrictions Regulatory action possible |
5 (Maroon) | Exceptionally Dry | Adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain | Conservation and local water restrictions Regulatory action likely Possible emergency response |