The Province has changed how it calculates the Provincial Drought Levels , which is different than what they have done in the past 10 years. Check out the document below for a quick summary explaining the changes.

You can find the drought Levels at the BC Drought Portal: https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/
The BC Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan explains the new system: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/drought info/drought_response_plan_final.pdf

Key things to know:

* 2025 Provincial drought levels can’t be compared to past years.
* 2025 levels are based on observed conditions at a specific date and do not include forecasts or water scarcity impacts like before.
* Social or ecosystem impacts are not included in the new system.

Communication: Unlike past years, the Province will not send letters to water license holders to let them know about drought level changes or ask for voluntary water use reductions. Communities need to check this information themselves. Provincial drought communication will mostly be provided through the BC Drought Portal.