Dawson Creek, B.C., declares state of local emergency amid record drought

The small northeastern B.C. city of Dawson Creek has declared a state of local emergency, as unprecedented drought continues to drain its only supply of drinking water.

The Kiskatinaw River, the city's sole source of water since 1942, is at record lows after four straight years of drought. The river, about 10 kilometres west of Dawson Creek, provides drinking water for 15,000 people in the city and surrounding area, including the village of Pouce Coupe.

The city said Tuesday that declaring the state of local emergency will allow it to tap into provincial resources and a temporary water source as it works to protect essential services heading into winter.

DON'T MISS: Abrupt transition to winter: Canada’s 2025-26 winter sneak peek

"Despite years of conservation, careful management, and investment in water infrastructure, the ongoing drought has reached a point where our water supply can no longer meet community needs without emergency action," Mayor Darcy Dober said in a news release.

"This declaration ensures we can act quickly to protect residents, businesses, and essential services while we continue our long-term work toward a new, sustainable water supply."

The Kiskatinaw River near the community of Arras, B.C., in August 2025. The Kiskatinaw River is the sole source of drinking water for the City of Dawson Creek and Village of Pouce Coupe, serving approximately 15,000 people. Water is drawn from the river near Arras and pumped into reservoirs. (Matt Preprost/CBC)

The city is looking to tap the Peace River, about 50 kilometres north, for emergency pumping. It's also looking to fast-track an estimated $100-million water pipeline to the Peace River to address the water shortage with a new permanent water supply.

The city says it has about 150 days worth of water stored in its reservoirs. Pumping operations from the Kiskatinaw River will continue — as fluctuating river levels allow — to keep storage levels up in the reservoirs, it said.

Stage 3 water restrictions remain in effect to limit lawn watering and outdoor water use. The city says moving to Stage 4 restrictions, which would shut down businesses like car washes, would have a minimal effect.

Dober is urging residents to continue conserving water.

"We're taking short-term emergency steps to secure water for this winter, and long-term infrastructure steps to make sure we never face this situation again," he said in a statement.

View of the Kiskatinaw River weir at Arras in August 2025. This is where the City of Dawson Creek intakes its domestic drinking water supply. (Matt Preprost/CBC)

This article, written by Matt Preprost, was originally published for CBC News.