In B.C. we use a six level drought classification to explain the severity and appropriate level of response to drought conditions. The B.C. government’s ability to regulate water during drought is not dependent on an area’s drought level. Authorities can use the Water Sustainability Act, independent of an area’s drought level, to deal with conflicts and concerns in a single water source or with significant water shortages in a specific area.
The BC Government has launched a Drought Information Portal this year with up-to date weather, stream flow, drought map and other information throughout the province. Click here to access the BC Drought Information Portal.
River Forecast Centre - Low streamflow bulletins and advisories: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/lowflow/index.htm
Groundwater levels in provincial observation wells: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/data_searches/obswell/map/obsWells.html