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Oil and gas operators are required to suspend all short-term water withdrawals in northeast B.C. previously approved by the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission through Section 8 of the Water Act.

The commission will assist in identifying options for an alternative short-term water supply should it be required during this period. Some exceptions, which include five rivers that all currently have near normal levels, apply. Withdrawal of water stored in dugouts is not suspended. Withdrawal of water from the following rivers is not suspended: Peace River, Halfway River, Pine River, Sikanni Chief River and the Muskwa River.

Many waterways in northeast B.C. are experiencing very low stream flow conditions, the OGC said in a news release. Fort St. John and Fort Nelson have received approximately 30 to 40 per cent of normal rainfall, following a winter where eastern areas received only 60 to 70 per cent of normal snowfall. As a result, many rivers are currently near or below record low flows for this time of year, with discharges ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent of normal flow.

River and lake levels are anticipated to continue dropping until significant rainfall occurs. The River Forecast Centre has issued a low stream flow advisory for the East Peace region, and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has issued an information bulletin urging water conservation.

Due to the low stream flow conditions, concerns are escalating for impacts to fish and aquatic resources and community water supply in some key river basins.