FAQ: Town of Lake Cowichan Water Management

Q: What’s happening with the Cowichan River and Lake?
A: The Cowichan River and Lake are facing extreme drought and high temperatures. River temperatures are nearing 25 °C – a lethal range for fish, especially salmon. This mirrors the conditions in 2023, which led to a devastating die-off of over 75,000 juvenile fish.

Q: Is algae bloom a concern for fish health in the River?
A: Yes. Algae bloom is of critical concern to the health of the river. It reduces oxygen levels, which can lead to fish kills, and can harm aquatic insects that fish rely on for food. In recent years, nutrient-driven blooms have been linked to major fish die-offs.

Q: What conditions create Algae Bloom?
A: Algae blooms occur when warm temperatures, low river flow and high nutrient levels come together. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus often enter the river from agricultural runoff, septic systems, sewage outfalls and stormwater during heavy rain.

Q: Is this affecting the Town’s wastewater system?
A: Yes. The Province implemented stricter pH levels for the River. To reduce risk, we are currently releasing only at night when the river is cooler. However, if those pH levels are exceeded, we must immediately stop discharging treated effluent into the river.

Q: Is the water in my home safe?
A: Yes. Your drinking water remains safe and is not impacted by the current flow and discharge restrictions. This issue affects treated wastewater and river health.

Q: Why is this happening now?
A: This is happening from a combination of factors outside of the Town’s control, including:

• Prolonged drought and reduced snowpack have lowered lake inflows.
• River temperatures are critically high.
• The Province introduced new wastewater regulations for the Town with little notice or support.
• Aging infrastructure is under intense pressure from the climate crisis.

Q: Who controls the water flow from the Lake?
A: The Cowichan Lake weir, which controls river flow, is owned and operated by Domtar. The decision to reduce flow levels was made by the Province, following a request from industry stakeholders. The Town of Lake Cowichan does not have control over the weir’s operation.

Q: What is the Cowichan Lake weir and why does it matter?
A: The weir regulates flow from the lake into the river. A modernized weir would allow more water to be stored during the wet seasons and released gradually during dry periods – protecting fish, river ecosystems, drinking water, and local industries.

Q: What is being done to fix this long-term?
A: The Town is investing in critical infrastructure upgrades, with funding from the Federal Government, the Province and the Town’s budget. However, the climate crisis is moving faster than we can build. We urgently need expedited approvals and additional support from our government partners.

Q: Is the Town releasing raw sewage into the river?
A: No. All wastewater is fully treated before being released – and only at night when river conditions are cooler. We are in full compliance with our permits and are closely monitoring the system.

Q: What happens if we can’t release wastewater?
A: We are preparing for worst-case scenarios, including:

• Trucking effluent off-site (expensive and complex)
• Create temporary containment sites
• Declaring a State of Local Emergency

We’re working hard to avoid these steps but are planning for all outcomes.

Q: Is a State of Local Emergency being considered?
A: Yes. If the Town can no longer discharge wastewater safely, we may declare a State of Local Emergency. This should allow access to emergency supports and operational flexibility. This is an act of last resort.

Q: Is this issue unique to Lake Cowichan?
A: No. Across Canada, communities are facing challenges drought levels, other climate extremes, and infrastructure gaps. We are not alone – but we are one of the places feeling the impacts earliest and most acutely.

Q: Who is the Town working with on this?
A: We’re collaborating closely with the Cowichan Watershed Board, which includes:

• The Town of Lake Cowichan
• Cowichan Tribes
• Cowichan Valley Regional District
• Province of B.C.
• Government of Canada
• Industry

Q: What can residents, visitors and businesses do to help?
A: We are all in this together. As of August 5, 2025, the Town has implemented Stage 3 Water Restrictions. Please help by reducing water use and wastewater generation. Here are some actions you can take:

• Residents
  • Keep showers short
  • Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Turn off the tap when lathering your hands or brushing your teeth
  • Flush responsibly
  • Only run full dishwasher loads
  • Compost food scraps instead of using a garburator
  • Turn off decorative water features
  • Limit lawn watering
• Visitors
  • Take shorter showers
  • Turn off taps
  • Reuse towels and linens
  • Limit laundry
  • Use biodegradable products
  • Dispose of greywater properly
  • Don’t litter, dump or leave sunscreen or food in or near the river
• Businesses
  • Fix leaks and drips quickly
  • Install low-flow features
  • Delay non-essential water use
  • Only run dishwashers when full
  • Offer linen and towel reuse options in accommodations
  • Limit water-intensive items like decorative fountains
  • Display water-saving signage in bathrooms and guest areas

Q: Where can I get updates or more information?
A: Visit our website or follow the Town on Facebook for:

• Daily updates
• Water-saving tips
• Wastewater system notices
• Emergency information (if needed)