Opinion: Drought is here. Why aren’t we acting like it? 

Increasingly, we’re seeing drying rivers with dying salmon, farmers facing crop losses, ranchers forced to sell herds, businesses shuttered during water shortages, mills that can’t operate, and communities in states of emergency. Above: A Cowichan Tribes natural resource consultant stands in the dry riverbed of the north arm of the Cowichan River during a severe summer drought. Photo by Parker Jefferson /Submitted photo

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Here we go again. Another year. Another drought. Another scramble to chase the crisis.

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It’s only mid-July and, on the heels of a winter “snow drought,” many regions across B.C. are already experiencing peak drought levels, strict water restrictions, and wildfire risk. Not long ago, this would have been a rare event. Now? It’s our unsettling new reality.

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Every year since 2015, at least one B.C. region has experienced the highest measured drought levels. And records continue to be set, including 2023’s first provincewide drought (from which some regions still haven’t recovered).

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We know climate change is an amplifier and that British Columbians are feeling the pain. Two in three British Columbians are concerned about a major water crisis in their community within the next few years. Increasingly, we’re seeing drying rivers with dying salmon, farmers facing crop losses, ranchers forced to sell herds, businesses shuttered during water shortages, mills that can’t operate, and communities (like McBride, Dawson Creek, and the Sunshine Coast) in states of emergency as water supplies approach Day Zero.

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Are crisis, conflict, frustration, and government inaction our inevitable future?

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The short answer is no.

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Communities are raising the alarm and rising to the challenge: monitoring flows, planning, leading emergency salmon rescue operations, restoring wetlands, and voluntarily reducing water use.

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While good, these local actions are still piecemeal. Where’s the provincial government leadership in all this?

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Recent research from the University of Victoria’s POLIS water sustainability project focuses on the province’s fundamental role in responding to water scarcity, avoiding crisis, and building resilience from the community level up. It shows a different kind of future is possible — but we need to start now.

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We must redefine our understanding of drought in B.C. Drought is not an “act of God” that just happens to us. Human decisions about land and water — like if wetlands are drained or remain functioning, or if forests are clearcut to stream banks or vital riparian areas remain intact — affect how water flows and influence drought severity.

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We must let go of the illusion of endless water abundance. B.C.’s current water management systems are based on this antiquated notion. Our systems must catch up to our new reality.

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We need to stop treating drought as a short-term, temporary summer emergency. Drought is a predictable, longer-term issue that demands priority, year-round attention and meaningful budget. Appeals for shorter showers and last-minute scrambles as reservoirs run low do not cut it.

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There is no one single solution to drought, but the provincial government has a crucial leadership role when it comes to driving the necessary critical actions. It must:

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First, set the policy and knowledge foundation for the change ahead.

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Secondly, aggressively promote water conservation and efficiency.