Drought Response
Drought Response in the Cowichan Valley
Throughout the Cowichan watershed, from the headwaters above Cowichan Lake, to the Quw'utsun (Cowichan) and Xwulqw'selu (Koksilah) Sta'lo' (Rivers), to the many critical subwatersheds and tributaries (e.g. Somenos/Quamichan), right down to the estuary at Cowichan Bay, the impacts of longer drier summers are being witnessed. These climate impacts are exacerbated by decades of land use practices and colonial decision-making that did not prioritize the important interconnection between healthy watersheds and healthy communities.
The CWB is prioritizing a few large efforts to address the situation, while partnering with many other organizations working throughout the watershed.
- i) Cowichan Lake Weir - Weir Ready!
- ii) Koksilah Watershed Planning
- iii) Cowichan River Fish-Kill - Community Response
i) Cowichan Lake Weir - "Weir" Taking Care of our Watershed!
As part of the efforts to mitigate the effects of drought, significant work is underway to rebuild the Cowichan Weir. Weir Ready! This project aims to increase the weir's capacity to store water during the winter months, which can then be released during extended dry spells, ensuring a more consistent flow in the river. This enhanced management strategy is crucial for maintaining the health of the aquatic ecosystem and supporting the survival of fish species during periods of low summer flows. Read more.
CWB partners with Cowichan Lake weir in background. Photo by Graham Twomey.
ii) Koksilah Watershed Planning
Low water levels are a recurring challenge in the Cowichan Valley. In recent years, summer flows in the Koksilah River have reached critically low levels precisely when water demand peaks. This situation poses a significant threat to the survival of both resident and anadromous salmonid species, jeopardizing the entire aquatic ecosystem.
As a result, Cowichan Tribes and the Province have begun work on long-term solutions through a community-based Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Process. In addition, multiple organizations have formed a short term drought response working group to improve communication and understanding between water users, regulators, researchers, and others. Read more.
Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Advisors, July 2024 (CWB photo).
iii) Cowichan River Fish Kill - Community Response
In the summer of 2023, Cowichan Lake suffered a devastating fish die-off. Lower water levels, rising temperatures, and altered water chemistry combined to create lethal conditions for aquatic life. This resulted in the loss of 84,000 steelhead juveniles and countless numbers from other fish species, a devastating blow to the river's ecosystem. The unprecedented die-off underscored the urgent need for improved environmental management and proactive measures to protect the fragile aquatic habitats.
What's the Latest?
A rigorous monitoring program has been implemented as part of a collaborative effort to prevent another fish mortality event like the one observed in the summer of 2023.
Water quality results gathered through this program are utilized by these partners to make informed decisions on necessary responses to protect fish health and their habitat.
To achieve this, continuous monitoring equipment has been installed at various locations in both the upper and lower sections of the river. This equipment assesses daily fluctuations in water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels. Additionally, grab samples are collected every two weeks at several sites along the river to measure various parameters, including nutrient levels and E. coli concentrations.
Key partners in this initiative include Cowichan Tribes, BC Fisheries, DFO, CVRD, the Town of Lake Cowichan, the Municipality of North Cowichan, and the Cowichan Watershed Board. The Cowichan Watershed Board would also like to thank the Pacific Salmon Foundation for their essential support with this project.
Resources
What to do if you see a dead fish? Let everyone know! Contact:
- The Federal Government at "Observe Record Report" (ORR): DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca / 1-800-465-4336
- The Provincial Government at the RAPP line: 1-877-952-RAPP
- Cowichan Watershed Board: admin@cowichanwatershedboard.ca
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