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
What's the Latest?
The Cowichan Watershed Board warns of possible ecological impacts this summer, as river conditions mirror 2023, when over 100,000 fish died due to low summer river flows, warming water temperatures, and declining water quality.
Since 2023, the CWB has led a collaborative fish kill response team including federal, provincial, indigenous, and local expertise, supported by internationally respected water quality engineer, Dr. Ken Ashley. . The group meets regularly, and is collectively implementing what has been called Canada’s most advanced river monitoring system, (including 24/7 data at six sites) to guide actions. Read about those collaborative efforts here: Collaboration for Salmon Resilience: From Crisis to Opportunity - a Cowichan Story
Emergency measures that are currently underway include:
- Holding sewage effluent in lagoons instead of releasing it.
- Reducing lake outflows early to conserve water for summer.
- Likely early fishing closures (date pending).
- Conducting field research to identify, protect, and improve cool-water areas, which are extremely important to fish during warm water conditions.
However, these steps may not be enough without rain or cooler weather. Climate change predictions for the region are holding true, and this crisis situation is likely to reoccur almost annually until the Lake Cowichan weir is replaced to store more water. Learn more at cowichanlakeweir.ca.
How can you help?
If you see fish in stress, such as stranded in drying river beds, report it to:
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s 24/7 Observe, Record and Report (ORR) hotline at 1-800-465-4336 or via email at [email protected].
If you see pollution entering a water body, report it to:
- Provincial Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) using the online form (forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp) or the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-7277, or
- Environment Canada (federal agency that handles enforcement of the deleterious substances section of the Federal Fisheries Act). BC Region - Provincial Emergency Program 1-800-663-3456.
Conserve water at home, particularly outdoor watering which uses the most water.
Respect sensitive fish habitats by considering swimming elsewhere (lake, ocean) when river flows are low and warm.
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.
Resources
What to do if you see a dead fish? Let everyone know! Contact:
- The Federal Government at "Observe Record Report" (ORR): [email protected] / 1-800-465-4336
- The Provincial Government at the RAPP line: 1-877-952-RAPP
- Cowichan Watershed Board: [email protected]
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