Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week

The Okanagan has again been ranked at Drought Level 4.

The ranking, which was given for the third week in a row July 9, is the second-highest drought rating and indicates severe conditions.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the streams in the region had high water temperatures and declining flows. The agency specifically noted the Bessette Creek and Salmon River in the North Okanagan was seeing flows deteriorate, which was raising concerns about impacts to the fish populations.

The River Forecast Centre also noted there were concerns about domestic water sources in the region, and urged people to conserve water where possible.