British ColumbiaThe northeast B.C. city remains under a state of local emergency as winter weather threatens to freeze off flows from the nearby Kiskatinaw River, which is at historic lows after years of drought. Changed after headline test: Dawson Creek, B.C., hopes to run hoses along highway in order to address water shortageEmergency water permits needed amid historic drought in northeast B.C.CBC News · Posted: Nov 21, 2025 5:41 PM EST | Last Updated: 8 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.This is where the City of Dawson Creek takes in its water supply from the Kiskatinaw River, which is at record lows after years of drought. While recent snowfall has improved water flows, the city says the river is already beginning to freeze. (Matt Preprost/CBC)The City of Dawson Creek says it has applied for permits to bring in emergency water supplies this winter amid historic drought conditions.The northeast B.C. city remains under a state of local emergency as winter weather threatens to freeze off flows from the nearby Kiskatinaw River, which is at historic lows after years of drought.The city wants to bring in water from the Peace River, about 50 kilometres away, to help keep the city’s reservoirs replenished.That would require temporary hoses to be placed along local highways, the city says, with pumping operations beginning in early 2026 if and when water is needed. “With the recent snowfall, flows in the Kiskatinaw River have improved enough to meet the [total city demand] for daily water use. This allows levels in the reservoirs to be maintained for as long as possible without using them,” the city said in a news release.”While this provides short-term stability, the Kiskatinaw River is already beginning to freeze and the water level is much lower than previous years. It is essential to continue advancing both emergency and long-term water solutions.”A graph shows Kiskatinaw River water levels where the City of Dawson Creek takes in water supply in Arras. Weir water levels shown in black in 2025. (City of Dawson Creek)The Kiskatinaw River has been Dawson Creek’s only source of drinking water since 1942. It supplies about 15,000 residents in the city and the surrounding area, including the village of Pouce Coupe.The city continues to advance plans for a permanent, in-ground water pipeline and supply system from the Peace River. It’s a project expected to cost more than $100 million and take several years to complete. The city is asking the province to speed up approvals to get it built as soon as possible.Stage 3 water restrictions, implemented in September, remain in effect.Bearhole Lake, a protected area in the eastern foothills of the Rockies, is the headwaters of the Kiskatinaw River. Both depend entirely on seasonal rain and snow.Dawson Creek officials estimate it could take up to eight years of above-average precipitation to restore the watershed to normal.
Dawson Creek hopes to run hoses along highway in order to address water shortage
