Province restricts water use on Bessette Creek Near Lumby to protect Chinook

August 29 2026 - A temporary provincial order took effect Friday restricting water use in the Bessette Creek watershed near Lumby after drought left the creek too low for spawning Chinook salmon.

The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said 131 surface- and groundwater licence holders must stop using water for

• forage-crop irrigation, harvesting,

• greenhouses and nurseries

• ore processing

• vehicle and equipment needs

• well drilling.

Flows hit record lows in early July and have stayed below the level needed for fish survival, the ministry said, despite voluntary conservation by farmers, local governments and other users.

“Despite significant efforts, water levels in Bessette Creek remain persistently low, threatening the survival of spawning Chinook salmon,” the province said in a Friday release.

Bessette Creek is part of the Shuswap River watershed and runs through Splatsin territory. Forage crops such as hay, alfalfa and forage corn are among the most water-intensive uses being curtailed.

The order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act and can be lifted if streamflows recover.

Affected licence holders are being sent copies of the order.

Farmers facing crop losses can contact AgriService BC at 1-888-221-7141.

The province said support programs are available for drought-related crop failure and income declines. Officials described the order as a last resort after years of voluntary measures and investments in water storage and salmon habitat work in drought-prone watersheds.

Province restricts water use on Bessette Creek Near Lumby to protect Chinook