Resource
Drought
A drought is a period of conditions that are drier than normal. This can occur when there is less rain or snow than normal over long periods of time. Drought can cause water shortages that affect our communities and the environment. The more severe and the longer a drought lasts, the greater the harmful effects it can have on people. With climate change, our weather is becoming less predictable, with more extreme hot and dry periods. Year-over-year impacts of extreme weather, combined with increasing demand for water as our population grows, increases the risk of drought.
Drought levels in British Columbia
There are six drought levels in British Columbia. Different response measures are recommended for each drought level.
Download the Drought Level Classification InfographicHow drought can impact health
Water is essential for everyday life. We need clean, safe water for drinking, food production and preparation, personal hygiene, and community sanitation.
Drought can impact human health in many ways:
- Reduced availability of drinking water.
- Drinking water can become harder to treat when levels of source water in reservoirs decrease. Harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa can cause waterborne diseases. Other contaminants, such as heavy metals, can also become more concentrated.
- Foodborne and waterborne illnesses like norovirus or cryptosporidium can increase.
- Beaches, lakes, and rivers can become unsafe for swimming due to growth of harmful bacteria.
- During droughts, groundwater wells close to the coast can be at increased risk of saltwater intrusion, which occurs when saltwater is drawn into a freshwater system. This can affect the usability of the water for drinking and other purposes.
- Water scarcity decreases food security.
- Water scarcity affects our ability to fight fires.
- Reduced availability of water for sanitation and hygiene.
- Mental health and wellbeing can be impacted.
- Dry, dusty conditions can also decrease air quality.
- Wildfires can start more easily and spread to larger areas. See our wildfire smoke webpage to learn how wildfire smoke and poor air quality can impact health.
People at higher risk
Populations at higher risk for the various potential health impacts of drought may include:
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as immune-suppressing conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and mental illnesses.
- Infants and young children.
- Pregnant people.
- Older adults.
- People impacted by material deprivation.
- People living in rural settings.
How to prepare for and respond to drought
Water conservation and restrictions
Individuals and households can play a role in drought preparation and response. Small steps to conserve water year-round may include using less water, using low-water appliances, and implementing drought-friendly landscaping. For water-saving tips, visit this BC Government webpage.
In times of water shortage, local water restrictions may be in place. A list of webpages outlining different water restrictions can be found in the resources section below.
Well water protection
If your water comes from a well and you are noticing discoloured water or cloudiness in your water, it could be a sign that your well is going dry, a potential impact of drought and also possible in the absence of drought. Wells that are close to the coast may also be impacted by saltwater intrusion. Support is available for managing well water issues.
Drinking water and recreational water monitoring
Public drinking water systems and recreational beaches in VCH are monitored regularly. To find current conditions, visit our websites for more information.
Resources
-
-
B.C. drought and water scarcity response plan
Helps communities develop resources and respond to local conditions.
-
B.C. drought information portal
Shows the drought level classification in BC’s water basins and what it means for each community.
-
B.C. drought and watershed watch map
Provides information on provincial drought levels and is updated regularly during the drought season.
-
VCH drinking water reports
Inspection reports on water systems.
-
VCH current water quality/boil water advisories
List of current water quality/boil water advisories issued to water systems.
-
VCH public beach water quality program
Recreational Beach Monitoring is conducted weekly from May through September. Provides a beach status map that shows beaches with posted advisories.
-
-
-
Metro Vancouver Regional District
-
Sunshine Coast Regional District
-
City of Powell River
-
qathet Regional District
-
Resort Municipality of Whistler
-
District of Squamish
-
-
-
Best practices for groundwater wells going dry and drought preparation
Guidance for groundwater well owners to prevent and respond when wells go dry.
-
Best practices for prevention of saltwater intrusion
Best management practices for groundwater wells affected by saltwater intrusion.
-
Dealing with drought: a handbook for water suppliers in B.C.
A handbook that supports water suppliers responding to drought conditions. Contains info on local drought management plans, water conservation plans and emergency drought planning.
-
Design guidelines for drinking water systems in B.C.
Design considerations for water systems related to climate change impacts.
-
Guide to emergency response and contingency plans for water supply systems
Supports water suppliers in developing and deploying an Emergency Response and Contingency Plan (ERCP).
-
VCH Emergency Response Contingency Plans (ERCP) with supplementary drought response plan
An abbreviated ERCP that focuses on water quantity issues. Suited for smaller community water systems.
-
HealthLinkBC: well water testing
Guidance for water suppliers on what to test well water for, how to do it and what to do if water is unsafe.
-
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns or need support to manage drinking water issues, reach out to a VCH drinking water officer or local Environmental Health office by emailing envh@vch.ca. Phone numbers for VCH offices in local communities within the region can be found on our drinking water page.
Related content
- Go to the VCH wildfire smoke page
- Go to the VCH extreme heat page
- Go to the VCH climate change and health page