Advisory for DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia

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DAWSON CREEK

Type: Advisory Lifted  -  Active

Issued: 9/8/2025

Details:

25/MAY/2026 - SEVERE SHORTAGE HAS ENDED. 
After months under Stage 3, this System returns to Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures.

The change comes after continued monitoring of local water conditions showed improvement in the Citys available water supply; The headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River (Bearhole Lake) have recharged, reservoirs are full, and the City currently has stable access to water through the Kiskatinaw River system.

The City has remained in Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures since September 8, 2025 due to prolonged (four years) drought conditions and concerns about long-term water supply reliability.

The City was under a local State of Emergency from October 14, 2025 to February 21, 2026 due to concerns over the severe shortage of drinking water supply.

To secure its water supply for the next 50 to 100 years, the City plans to build a $100 million pipeline to the Peace River, located 55 kilometres north.

While the City is stepping down restrictions, officials emphasize that drought conditions have not ended and water conservation remains important; The City wants residents to understand that moving to Stage 1 does not mean the drought is over. -- 


21/FEB/2026 - The City of Dawson Creek has lifted a long-running STATE of LOCAL EMERGENCY (SOLE) over a lack of drinking water in its reserves, but warns restrictions, incl. a ban on water for use in fracking or gas and oiland activities, hot tub refilling and lawn watering. -- 

14/OCT/2025 - STATE of LOCAL EMERGENCY Declared. -- 

08/SEP/2025 - Stage 3 Water Conservation Measures in effect. --